The government of Maldives has decided to temporarily halt direct and transit flights traveling from Italy as part of additional border control measures taken to safeguard the country from COVID-19.
At a press conference, the announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed. Speaking at the press conference, the tourism minister said the decision was made as COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing in Italy.
The amount of infections recorded in Italy surpassed 4,600 with death toll recorded at nearly 200. Italy is currently reporting more deaths per day from the virus than any other country in the world and the government of Italy ordered the closure of schools, universities, cinemas and theatres around the country to try to stem the infections.
Following the spread of the virus globally, Maldives has been taking necessary precautions against the COVID-19. In this regard, Maldives has restricted entry of any individual traveling from or transiting via China, in addition to people travelling from two areas of South Korea.