90% of Hospitality Industry Frontline Workers Vaccinated in the Maldives – Minister Mausoom


Maldives
Travel
Photo: Ministry of Tourism
PUBLISHED April 15, 2021 | updated April 15, 2021 02:34

In an interview with CNBC International, Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom has revealed that 90% of the tourism industry frontline workers have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 

Furthermore, approximately 53% of the local population, counting 530,000 residents have received their first dose of the vaccine since its commencement on February 1, 2021. Currently, a number of these firstly vaccinated locals are receiving their second dose. 

Speaking on future plans of the tourism sector, Minister Mausoom announced the news of offering vaccinations to visitors on arrival to the Maldives. Revealed as part of the 3V strategy, ‘visit, vaccinate and vacation’, the initiative will provide a more convenient way for guests to visit the island nation, said Minister. 

Minister informs that Government will prioritize the vaccination of the whole local population prior to announcing a timeline for the rollout of visitor vaccination on arrival. He also revealed plans of Health Protection Agency (HPA) to announce ‘restriction-free entry’ to vaccinated arrivals in the coming days. 

Maldives reopened borders to all nationalities from 15 July 2020. All visitors are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country. 

The current procedure does not include mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival for guests. However, tourists traveling to Maldives are required to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure. The negative PCR test result must be attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form, which has to be submitted online by all arriving passengers before arrival (but not exceeding 24 hours before arrival time). 

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