The Maldives – Haven for travellers amidst the Global Pandemic
Home to luxurious world-class resorts, with each established on a tiny private island, giving rise to the concept “One island one Resort” makes the Maldives a naturally self-isolated paradise.
Most of the islands in the Maldives developed for tourism feature a single resort. Should guests or staff come into contact with someone who tests positive for Covid-19, they will be easily traceable while being able to keep the potential for spread to a minimum.
The first case of the virus was identified in the Maldives on March 07, 2020, from a tourist who had returned to Italy after spending a holiday in the Maldives. Soon after that same month the Maldives closed its borders and went into nationwide lockdown while quickly taking measures for the safety of everyone at risk by establishing quarantine facilities and relevant operating procedures.
Since then the Maldives has closely been following the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Protection Agency (HPA) has heightened hygiene and safety measures to curb the spread of the virus.
On July 15 the country opened up the borders with 43 resorts welcoming guests to enjoy their stay with the hotels. In accordance with the new guidelines in place such as the airports being newly fitted with thermal scanners and markers placed to ensure social distancing.
Furthermore, the government has been issuing “Safe Tourism Licenses” to accredit tourist facilities that abide by legislation and safety requirements as outlined by the relevant authorities.
“All tourist facilities operating during this phase will have access to medical services, stock of PPE and a COVID-19 safety manager.” Reeds a statement made on the Maldives Ministry of Health’s Website outlining “New Normal” Measures for visiting the Maldives for tourists.
The latest information made available from the Ministry of Tourism shows that 112 resorts will be allowed to open and operate by November 14, 2020, with clusters of properties already having started operations since July.
As of October 01, a total of 10,291 people have tested positive for Covid-19, 9,108 people have recovered and 34 deaths have been recorded.
Current data indicates that cases are highest in the capital city Male’ where there is a dense population while a few isolated cases have been previously reported from resorts before measures were taken to identify and mitigate the spread of the virus.
According to data released by the Maldives Ministry of Health as of September 30th, only 87 active cases remain accumulatively across 22 islands and 13 atolls.
On your island getaway, little has changed outside of the new safety measures in place to ease the mind of its residents. The palm trees rustling in the wind, Magnificent bungalows dotted across the beach and overwater villas overseeing turquoise lagoons and a breathtaking underwater world still invites you to experience an unforgettable stay. The islands remain an oasis of peace, beauty and well-being.
For a full list of new normal measures as outlined by the Health Ministry of the Maldives press here.
