The Spike In COVID-19 Cases In The Male’ Region Threatens Guesthouse Operations In The 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 were prohibited from continuing operations by the government as a precautionary measure to contain the virus whereas soon after the island nation’s borders were closed.
Whilst the Maldives reopened its borders for tourists on 15th July last year, only resorts and liveaboards were initially permitted to resume operations. By October, this had extended to guesthouse situated in the islands. As it took far more time to control the numbers in the Male’ Region, guesthouses situated in this area was given the green light to resume operations in mid-December.
After a little longer than a month, a spike has been observed again in the area which has threatened the operations of guesthouses once again. The Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom expressed his concern regarding the matter whilst speaking to the state broadcaster of Maldives, PSM News.
Accordingly, the Minister was happy to note that most tourist establishments are proven to be following the guidelines set out by the authorities in their run of business whereas the positivity rate amongst tourists still remains at 0.22%, which is considered a safe rate.
Nevertheless, if cases continue to rise in the Male’ region, there will be no choice but cease operations once again. Not only will this will negatively impact the lives of owners and employees involved in the guesthouse operations in the Male’ region, but it will also strain the goal of the country to achieve pre-pandemic tourist arrival numbers by the end of this year.
Hence, the Minister urges all citizens to strictly adhere to safety measures imposed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), as a contribution to reducing the numbers as soon as possible and perhaps even for good. He also highlights the receiving of the COVID-19 vaccines from India as a hopeful and encouraging development in the efforts to contain the virus.
(Photo: PSM News)