Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has urged individuals in resorts with COVID-19 symptoms to take a PCR test without delay.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said it has been noticed that some individuals in resorts are not testing for COVID-19 despite displaying symptoms. Noting this has led to outbreaks in some resorts, Dr. Nazla called on all resort workers to isolate themselves and report to a medical facility immediately upon displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
Further, the spokesperson noted some resorts are not following the guidelines of Health Protection Agency (HPA) in quarantining tourists and employees. She called on resorts to adhere to the guidelines set by HPA and the Ministry of Tourism, and to take special measures to ensure all tourists and staff wear face masks and practice social distancing in public areas.
COVID-19 cases reported from resorts have increased in recent weeks, following the increase in tourist arrivals to the Maldives. As such, COVID-19 outbreaks were reported in two resorts this week.
A large number of tourists are currently visiting the Maldives from different parts of the world. Ministry of Tourism revealed 20,000 tourists visited the Maldives during the first 7 days of the new year.