The government of Maldives has made arrangements for the departure of 80 individuals stranded in Male’ City, who wish to return to their home islands amid the lockdown imposed in the Greater Male' Region.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed said the government is facilitating the departure of individuals who had come to the capital to seek medical treatment and resort employees who were transiting in Male’ before returning to their home islands, as well as others who are stranded in the city due to various reasons. The minister said individuals who wish to return are being registered at the tourism ministry and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services.
The tourism minister noted arrangements have been made for the departure of 80 individuals, with assistance from Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). He said the individuals will be transported in the coming days.
Furthermore, Minister Ali Waheed said efforts are underway to facilitate the departure of locals stranded in resorts. Noting there are approximately 1,000 people in resorts who wish to return to their home islands, the minister said the administration is conducting discussions with the management of resorts and Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) to arrange means of travel to the home islands of resort employees, without forcing them to come to the capital city.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published the policy on individuals travelling to islands. All individuals travelling from Male’ City are required to isolate themselves for 14 days upon their arrival at another island.