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PCR testing arranged for tourists in 5 hospitals

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has arranged PCR testing in five hospitals for tourists visiting the Maldives.

On August 13, HPA revealed the hospitals with PCR testing facilities along with their prices. The contact details of focal points from those hospitals have also been publicised from the list which include Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Addu Equatorial Hospital, and 3 hospitals from Greater Male' Region.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital and Addu Equatorial Hospital conduct PCR testing for USD 100. Meanwhile, ADK hospital and Tree Top Hospital conduct PCR testing for USD 97 and USD 132 respectively.

HPA has instructed tourist facilities and resorts to send samples of tourists 48 hours prior to departure to ensure their results come back in time for boarding. Travel and other documents required by the laboratory must also be submitted in order for the hospitals to process PCR testing.

The government reopened Maldivian borders for tourists after keeping it closed for over three months. The tourism ministry stated over 7,000 tourists have visited the country following the reopening of borders on July 15. HPA revealed 6 tourists and 12 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 since borders were reopened.

While tourists departing the country can do PCR testing in 5 hospitals, COVID-19 testing for tourists departing from safaris have been made available at Hulhumale' ferry terminal area.