Health Protection Agency HPA Epidemiologist Dr. Ibrahim Afzal says more than 22,000 people have arrived in the Maldives since it reopened its borders back in July.

Speaking at the latest news briefing by the Health Emergency Operations Center HEOC, Dr. Afzal said that 312 individuals had arrived in the country on Wednesday and 22896 individuals had arrived since the country reopened its borders in mid-July.

This comes after World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC has granted the Maldives its Safe Travel Stamp having recognized the country’s efforts in implementing enhanced health and safety measures in line with the WTTC global Safe Travels protocols on Tuesday.

The Maldives reopened its borders in mid-July after a four-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic but had only allowed resorts and safari operators to host guests.

The government has since announced that it would allow guesthouses in the country except for the ones in the Male’ Area to resume operations on the 15th of October subject to clearance from the relevant authorities.

Authorities in the Maldives have said that 20 resorts in the country are currently hosting active cases of COVID-19 and that this includes 20 tourists and 47 staff.