The government has decided to delay the reopening of the guesthouses in the Maldives.
The guideline prepared by the Ministry of Tourism to restart tourism in the Maldives indicated all guest houses in local islands would open for tourists on August 1. However, speaking at the virtual ceremony held to inaugurate the COVID-19 treatment facilities established in three regions of the Maldives, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen said the administration has now decided to delay the opening of guest houses in local islands after reviewing the current situation in the country.
Minister Ameen further said the administration will continue taking necessary measures to safeguard the people while continuing businesses, transport and other necessary social services. The minister stated the administration will reevaluate the situation in mid-August to review if guest houses in local islands can be opened for tourists. He added, according to current estimates, guest houses can be permitted to open during early September.
The Maldives reopened its international borders for visitors on July 15 after keeping it closed for over four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Resorts and liveaboards operating in the Maldives are opened for tourists following the reopening of the borders.