Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has decided to take over COVID-19 testing of tourists prior to departure from the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said the HEOC has decided to exert further efforts in the tourism sector, as the sampling and testing of tourists is currently falling short of the expected standards. She said the HEOC has decided to take over testing of tourists, adding the COVID-19 tests will be arranged when information of the departing tourists are shared with the centre.
The spokesperson further stated the testing of tourists will not be a hindrance to current efforts undertaken by HEOC, as the number of tourist arrivals has decreased significantly. As such, she noted approximately 20 tourists are scheduled to depart on each of the next 3 days.
The Maldives reopened its borders for tourists on July 15, nearly four months after borders were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.