The government on Tuesday denied rumors that discussions are ongoing regarding a border closure.
The Maldives is currently experiencing an alarming surge in infections. The country's tally has crossed 60,000 and the number of deaths is at 157. The month of May has been particularly devastating, with more COVID-19 deaths recorded in May 2021 than the combined number of all COVID-19 deaths in 2020.
Authorities recently implemented stricter measures in the Greater Male' Area to curb the spread of the virus due to the surge in infections. Rumors that the government will be further strengthening measures by closing the country's borders have been circulating on multiple platforms.
Spokesperson at the President's Office, Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said no such discussions are ongoing regarding a border closure. He refuted claims that Maldivian students abroad have been warned of an impending border closure.
The Maldives closed its borders last year from March 27 for about four months. The borders reopened on July 15, 2020.
