The Tourism Ministry has prohibited locals from traveling to resorts until further notice.
A circular issued by the ministry on Sunday said the measure is being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In this regard, no Maldivians will be allowed to holiday at any resorts or tourism facilities which are currently hosting tourists under the guidelines issued by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), said the circular.
HPA issued a guideline on providing tourism services when the Maldives reopened its borders to tourists on July 15. According to the guidelines, tourists may stay only at pre-booked resorts and cannot travel between islands. A safety plan must be in place and all staff working at local resorts must be trained on the COVID-19 protocols and how to use PPE, the guideline states.
67 resorts were permitted to resume operation when the borders were reopened. While permits have been issued to safaris, some local guesthouses have also been given permission to be used for transit movements.
