Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has stated tourism operations cannot resume in the Maldives this year in the worst case scenario of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Speaking at a press conference held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Tourism Minister Ali Waheed said Maldivian borders will not be opened for tourists before health authorities confirm it is safe to do so. The minister said the government will not prioritise income over public safety, adding the policy is to resume tourism operations after COVID-19 is brought under control. He added the government is working very hard to prevent the projected worst case scenario of the outbreak, noting tourism operations cannot resume this year during such a scenario.
The tourism minister expressed hope the situation can be brought under control in July with the current level of measures. The minister said the government hopes to reopen borders by October, if not possible to do so in July. However, he said failure to reopen borders by the end of this year could lead to severe consequences on the country.
The minister urged the public to cooperate with the government and health authorities in order to overcome the situation and return to a normal life.