Health Protection Agency (HPA) has shortened the mandatory quarantine period for travellers to 10 days.
In a circular signed by Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru, HPA revealed changes are being brought to the precautions currently in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives. In this regard, HPA said individuals travelling from Male’ to islands or from resorts to islands, as well as individuals returning to the Maldives from abroad, will be required to undergo quarantine for 10 days, starting from December 4. HPA said individuals will be released from quarantine once they test negative from the PCR test done after the 10-day period.
HPA further noted individuals who travel before December 4 would still be required to undergo quarantine for 14 days, as per the current guidelines. HPA also revealed individuals who are quarantined after becoming direct contacts of a positive case would also be required to complete a 14-day period.
HPA further stated individuals travelling to islands under a special permit to provide an essential service or to undertake a project, must take a PCR test less than 72 hours before departure. HPA said the cost of the test must be borne by the respective office or institution responsible for the travellers.
Meanwhile, HPA has also made masks mandatory in all inhabited islands of the Maldives. HPA stated masks must be worn in public by all in inhabited islands and airports. HPA has also instructed to maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet with others when in public.