Kuda Bandos, 3 more resorts to be used as quarantine facilities

The Maldivian government, on Saturday, announced four more resort islands are to be used as quarantine facilities.

The announcement was made by government spokesperson Mabrook Azeez during a press conference at the National Emergency Operations Center this afternoon.

The four new resort islands which will be used as quarantine facilities are:

• Malahini Kuda Bandos (K. Kudabandos)
• Biyadhoo Island Resort (K. Biyadhoo)
• NAKAI Dhiggiri Resort (V. Dhiggiri)
• Holiday Island Resort (A. Dh. Dhiffushi)

The increase in quarantine facilities in Maldives follows new ordered by Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru to place all passengers who fly to Maldives, with the exception of tourists who have made bookings at resorts, under 14-day quarantine at facilities designated by the government.

The new orders took effect at 4 am this Saturday.

Four islands, a hotel and Dharumavantha Hospital are already in use as isolation and quarantine facilities; Farukolhufushi, Vilivaru, Velidhoo Island Resort, Fun Island Resort, Hulhule’ Island Hotel, and Dharumavantha Hospital.

Mabrook said that operators of the resorts which were being used as quarantine facilities had offered the islands to the governments free of charge.

“They took the initiative. They have opened the islands as a public service in face of the current situation,” said Mabrook.

The only costs which the State needs to bear are the costs incurred by National Disaster Management Authority.

“Those being the expenditure on food for the people there, and water and electricity,” said Mabrook.