Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published the new guidelines for COVID-19 control, requiring unvaccinated individuals travelling from an area with an active spread of the disease to undergo PCR testing.
As per the new guideline, the situation of COVID-19 transmission in an island or region will be declared in accordance to the sampling and surveillance data collected by HPA or a designated healthcare facility. The guideline states all individuals with COVID-19 symptoms and high-risk contacts of positive cases must get tested. The guideline also states unvaccinated individuals travelling from an area with an active spread of the disease must undergo a PCR test.
The guideline further states all individuals in an area with an active spread situation must wear face masks in public places at all times. Shops, cafes, restaurants, general services and social events must be operated in accordance to the COVID-19 guidelines.
The daily numbers of COVID-19 cases reported in the Maldives has gone down this month, following a record surge of cases in January. There are currently over 15,000 active cases across the country, including 29 seeking treatment in hospitals or medical facilities.