PCR Sampling Facility Set Up for Passengers Departing from Liveaboards
Wednesday 12th of August 2020
PCR Sampling Facility Set Up for Passengers Departing from Liveaboards
The key stakeholders of tourism industry have been working in unity to implement precautionary measures, with the reopening of the Maldives border amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In protocol with the Ministry of Tourism circular on 10th August 2020, regarding PCR tests for departing tourists, National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), together with the Ministry of Tourism, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Health Protection Agency (HPA) and Maldives Police Service has established the first PCR Sampling Station in Hulhumale for passengers departing from safari vessels.
Safari vessels are required to keep a stock of UTM test kits and make arrangements of sample transportation through atoll collection points or any other means of transportation. According to the Ministry’s statement, vessels operating or cruising across the country, may coordinate with the atoll or Regional Hospital focal points and make arrangements for sampling.
The special testing hut located near Jetty Area in Hulhumale was a proactive initiative proposed by NBAM to Ministry of Tourism and HDC, where the first sample from a tourist was collected at the testing booth on August 10th 2020. The hut was set up in 5 days to facilitate the departure testing for the industry, with the support of HPA and Maldives Police Service.
The Ministry of Tourism advises all facilities to adhere with the guidelines set forth by all relevant authorities and reminds all facilities to ensure that tourists, who require a negative PCR test result for their outbound flight or onward destination, cannot leave for departure at the airport without a negative test result on hand.
Boat operators must ensure that the samples are taken sufficiently in advance for ensuring enough time for tests to be run in time for departure flights. Details of the guests to be tested must be shared in advance via email: info@boating.mv or call +960 7970033, for pre-booking and making arrangements.