National Centre for Cultural Heritage (NCCH) has announced the temporary closure of the National Museum and the Royal Palace in Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll, as part of the COVID-19 measures. NCCH stated the decision was made to prevent gatherings and minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 through visitors and the local community.
The museum and the palace were previously closed in March 2020 for a period of nine months and re-opened with measures to check the temperature of visitors and means to sanitise upon entering. The museum and the palace are popular locations for Maldivians and tourists, especially during the holidays, with the palace receiving over 6,000 visitors each year.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a red alert over the increase in COVID-19 cases in the Maldives, and health authorities have warned of a continual rise in cases for the next few weeks. The increase in COVID-19 cases coincides with the spread of the new Omicron variant in the Maldives, which threatens to infect the sick and elderly and increase hospitalisations. The government has strengthened health measures in schools and in the Greater Male' Region, to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Additionally, HPA is administering the COVID-19 booster doses to the public, as part of the nationwide vaccination programme.