The Maldives has temporarily ceased arrivals from Bangladesh in light of the fast spreading COVID-19 virus.
A circular from Civil Aviation Authority read travelers flying in from Bangladesh in the past 14 days will not receive entrance or transit to Maldives from 10 March until 24 March.
The step was taken in order to prevent or control the spread of the viral pandemic making rounds across South Asia.
The gateway ban to Maldives is subjected only towards expatriates; including foreign passengers and airline crew members, however the locals are the only exception.
On Sunday, Bangladesh reported three guaranteed cases of COVID-19 out of which two individuals are suspected to have contacted the disease post their holiday at Italy.
Meanwhile Maldives government has restricted gateway entrance for travelers flying in from Iran and China; where the virus spread is intense.
Maldives have reported four confirmed cases of COVID-19, two cases from Kuredhu and more recently from Bathalaa Resort.
All confirmed cases of the virus were found positive from foreigners; two expatriate workers at Kuredhu and two tourists from Bathalaa.
Both resorts are currently on a transport lockdown without any precedented period of lifting up the cordon.
Bangladesh is included among the top South Asian countries with their locals residing in Maldives under work visa, and several Bangladeshi nationals enter the island nation for various economic purposes throughout every year.
The local construction industry holds a high percentile of Bangladeshi nationals in the collective workforce, with many from the country contracted for new projects.
