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Resort staff mandated to seek HPA permit before exiting resort

National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has stated employees of resorts must seek a permit from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) before being allowed to leave the premises of the resort.

Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said employees of resorts which have not reported a positive or a suspected case can leave the resort 14 days after the last tourist departed from the resort. However, Mabrook said employees must undergo exit screening and seek a permit from HPA before being allowed to leave the premises of the resorts. He added the policy also applies to the crew of safaris and guesthouses.

Following the suspension of on-arrival visas on March 27, no tourists are currently entering Maldives. As part of the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the government has also prohibited all travel between resorts and inhabited islands.

While the policy on allowing resort staff to return home prohibits them from exiting the resort within 14 days of the departure of the last tourist, HPA will arrange means for staff who wish to return home before the completion of the 14-day period under special circumstances.