Be Aware, Be Aware of the Guidelines for Re-opening of Guesthouses & Hotels in Greater Male’ Area!

The central focus of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives was the Greater Male’ Area. At the wake of it, guesthouses and hotels situated in the area was prohibited from continuing operations by the government as a precautionary measure to contain the virus. After 9 long months since then, the authorities have finally given permit for them to resume operations; however, with a catch. Accordingly, yesterday, the Health Protection Agency (HPA), has publicized the formulated guidelines with respect to the matter. 

Photo: H78

Firstly, only guesthouses and hotels which fulfil the public health requirements in addition to having obtained approval from the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), will be allowed restart operations. There are also preset purposes for which they could accommodate guests for; 
· Tourists – Transit stay and regular stay including split stay
· Maldivians – Travel related quarantine for those who are unable to arrange quarantine at a house
· Expatriate Work Visa Holders – Travel related quarantine and regular stay
· Expatriates holding diplomatic, business or special visa
· Maldivians – Those who travel from islands for obtaining services in Greater Male’ Area

Photo: Paralian Hulhumale

All guesthouses and hotels must have a COVID-19 safety plan which will be assessed MoT prior to granting permit to resume operations. 

Some of the other important requirements and instructions highlighted in the guidelines includes of;
· the place of operations having designated space for isolation, quarantine along with access to medical care and a mechanism for daily monitoring of the medical condition of isolated patients
· how to respond to a symptomatic guest or staff
· PCR test requirements for guests and staffs

Photo: Azuvia Beach Retreat

For a more comprehensive read, you can find the full guidelines at this link. 

According to MoT, Greater Male’ Area guesthouses and hotels accounts to a total of 2500 beds. They anticipate that 90% of these will be in operation by the end of December. 

Cover: Hotel Jen