The Maldives government annouced travelers and tourists will be prohibited from checking-in into hotels and guesthouses in Male' City from 00:00hrs on 15 March 2020 onward.
A circular signed by Director General of Public Health Ms Maimoona Aboobakur, orders hospitality venues and outlets in Male' City, Hulhumale' and Hulhule on prohibiting tourist check-ins from 00:00hrs onward.
Moreover, the circular did not restrict tourists who have already checked-in to such properties from checking-out adding they were allowed to stay in the venues for the duration of their bookings.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) of Maldives issued order temporarily prohibiting local city hotels and guesthouses from accepting lodging or check-ins from travelers and tourists.
Meanwhile, the health agency on Saturday had ordered temporary close down on all local universities, colleges and other educational institutions for a duration of two weeks.
However, HPA notes the educational institutions were preparing to continue their academic courses and programs through online teaching.
Maldives currently has ten confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, all reported from local resorts.
The tally as of Saturday, 14 March 2020 includes 5 cases from Kuredu Island Resort, 2 from Sandies Bathala Resort, 2 from Kuramathi Island Resort and more recently 1 case from Anantara Dhigu.
All confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus were found present from foreigners while the island nation confirms no positive cases were found from any locals.
Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on Thursday, 12 March 2020.
