Maldives enters the third phase of reopening with offices, businesses, schools, cafes and restaurants permitted to resume their operations from 1st July, President confirmed.
“On 1st July 2020 the National Emergency Operations Centre shall cease its operations managing the Maldives’ COVID-19 response,” a tweet my President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih read. “Under new normal rules, government offices will reopen and businesses including shops, cafes, and restaurants can start operations from tomorrow onwards.”
Under the new measures, mosques in the greater Malé area will also be opened for prayers in congregation from 1st July 2020.
On 1st July 2020 the National Emergency Operations Centre shall cease its operations managing the Maldives’ Covid 19 response. Under new normal rules, government offices will reopen and businesses including shops, cafes, and restaurants can start operations from tomorrow onwards.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) June 30, 2020
The president also sent gratitude to all those who worked on the frontlines- the healthcare professionals and various government agencies and volunteers- who went beyond the call of duty to successfully manage this pandemic and avert worst case projections.
However, as a precautionary measure, the state of public health emergency has been extended till 14th July. A signed announcement by Health Minister Abdulla Ameen issued on 29th June, read that there is still a chance of virus spread in the country and was the reason why the public health emergency was being extended.
Maldives will restart tourism and reopen borders for visitors from all nationalities from 15th July 2020. Tourists travelling to the Maldives will be provided a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
A confirmed booking in a tourist establishment registered with the Ministry of Tourism, prior to travelling to the Maldives is mandatory.
Tourist resorts, liveaboard vessels and hotels located on uninhabited islands are open for bookings starting from July 15, 2020.
Guest houses and hotels located on inhabited islands will be open for bookings starting from August 1, 2020.
