Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated a guideline has been prepared for individuals providing services at the ports of the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held by the HEOC to brief on the measures taken at the ports, Epidemiologist of Health Protection Agency (HPA) Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said the necessary guideline have been prepared for the reopening of the international borders of the Maldives. He said the guideline include instructions for people working at the front lines, food outlets and vehicle operators. He added he guideline also includes details of the measures to be taken in a situation of a confirmed COVID-19 case reported from a port.
Providing details, Dr. Afzal said staff from Customs, Immigration, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) have been trained to service with safety precautions and measures. He also said staff know when and where to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and facemasks or face shields.
Speaking at the news briefing, General Manager Ibrahim Hussain said MACL has taken various measures to ensure safety of the staff as well as the public. He said the company now holds daily health checks online and it is refraining from bringing any staff who is above 65 years old back to work. He added only 30% of the total 3,000 staff are currently providing services, noting the airport is now operating in two shifts with around 900 employees.
The main gateway to the Maldives, the Velana International Airport (VIA), has begun flight operations with the reopening of the international borders on July 15.