Official spokesperson on Covid-19 Mr. Mabourk Azees says the government has no plans to shut Maldivian borders amid the current crisis.
Speaking to reporters tonight the twice-daily news briefing Mr. Mabrouk said that authorities were assessing the situation every day and that government has not yet decided to shut borders.
Pointing out that some local media have reported otherwise, Mr. Mabrouk said spreading such lies creates panic and fear among the Maldivians currently staying abroad. He urged the media to write responsibly and to get official confirmation before publishing such stories.
While the government denied a decision on border closure, reports have surfaced saying Tourism Minister Ali Waheed met with tourism industry stakeholders to discuss their recommendation on the matter. It was also reported that the government had decided to shut the borders as per their recommendation.
With all the precautionary measure taken in the fight against Covid-19, the number of flights and tourist arrivals has fallen drastically.
