Enforcing restrictive measures for those who fail to get booster dose in talks

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has begun considering restrictive measures for those who fail to get their booster dose against COVID-19.

A government official told Sun that efforts were underway to increase the number of people getting their booster doses.

On this note, the official detailed that discussions were underway on enforcing restrictive measures similar to those enforced against individuals who have not completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine – for those who fail to get their booster dose.

Special travel guidelines have been formulated by HPA for individuals who have not completed the both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. As per the guidelines, such individuals are barred from travelling on flights. In addition to this, when travelling to islands, they would be required to complete a quarantine period and undergo a PCR test.

HPA also mandated being fully vaccinated to receive services from places such as restaurants and cafés.

However, many citizens have raised concerns over the non-enforcement of these measures. In this regard, many have stressed the failure of service providers to check for proof of vaccination as well as island councils.

On the first day of booster dose administration for the public, a large number of people had queued up to get their booster doses. Subsequent to overload at vaccination centers administering booster dose, the government had made easier arrangements to get vaccinated. Nevertheless, vaccination centers in Male’ area have been significantly empty in the days which followed.

As of present, 397,421 people have received their first dose and 369,252 people have been fully vaccinated, and 52,474 have received their booster dose in the Maldives.