The government has revealed over 5,000 people have requested permission to leave Male’ City since the beginning of the lockdown.
Speaking at a press conference held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed said over 5,000 people have requested permission to depart from Male’ to other regions in the country since the beginning of the lockdown in April 15. However, the minister said the government does not encourage travelling during this time due to the risk of spreading COVID-19.
The tourism minister said some people are being granted permission to leave for essential purposes or due to current living conditions, adding such individuals would be quarantined in a government facility before departure. He said 500 rooms have been allocated from guesthouses in Hulhumale’ to quarantine such individuals.
Speaking at the press conference, Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla said the government will verify the need for travelling before allowing any person to depart from Male’ during the lockdown. The minister said priority will be given to individuals stranded in Male’ after arriving in the capital for treatment and individuals who need to leave for essential purposes. He urged local councils to also verify the need for travelling for individuals who have requested permission to travel to islands.
The home minister also noted approximately 600 resort employees have requested permission to return to their home islands. He said efforts are underway to arrange direct transport to islands from resorts, without transiting in Male’.