US issues travel advisory to Maldives due to virus

The United State of America has issued a travel advisory to the Maldives requesting US citizens against traveling to the Maldives unless absolutely necessary,

The travel advisory requested to reconsider travel to the Maldives due to COVID-19 and the current situation in the Maldives.

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) had recently increased the alert level for the Maldives to a level three warning alert. 

CDC warned that health care options and treatment may be limited in the Maldives due to the increased number of cases. The CDC requested to adhere to regulations and orders instructed by the Foreign Ministry and the Health Ministry of the Maldives. Necessary travel is defined by authorities as for humanitarian or medical reasons, and family-related emergencies.

The US authorities also noted that the Maldives has lifted stay at home orders and resumed some transportation options and business operations.

CDC said that since it is a probability that the health care capacity of the Maldives could reach its limit, US citizens were advised on clarifying how to obtain health care when abroad and stated that virus-positive individuals in the Maldives will be placed in isolation in the Maldives and may even be denied entry to the country.

Maldivian authorities have also stressed on the importance of controlling the situation with the virus. Social distancing measures and wearing masks in addition to other health care measures are advised to be followed.