Maldives to reopen borders to South Asian arrivals

President of Maldives Ibrahim Solih has said that his country will reopen borders to arrivals from South Asian countries, subject to an assessment of the COVID-19 situation in each country on July 15, Report informs via Xinhua.

Solih, in a public statement, said that the primary objective of his government is to restart the country's economy amid the extended lockdown restrictions necessitated by the third wave of COVID-19 infections that peaked in May.

Solih said that the ongoing curfew hours would be reduced to 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. starting July 1. All categories of businesses, including restaurants, gyms and salons, will be permitted to resume operations during non-curfew hours, he said.

Requirements for residents to carry a special pass while traveling during non-curfew hours will be stopped. Mosques will be allowed to resume services under social distancing guidelines. Individuals who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed to travel among islands without the need for mandatory quarantine.