Unvaccinated customers to be barred from cafes

Maldivian authorities have decided to impose a restriction in September to bar customers who aren’t fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from cafes, restaurants and teashops. 

A government official told Sun on Saturday that the new restriction will take effect on September 1. 

“Such a strict measure became necessary for the safety and protection of others in the community,” said the official. 

The official said authorities will also be imposing additional restrictions in September to urge people to get vaccinated – including barring people who aren’t fully vaccinated from access to public transport, gyms and salons. 

“This will take effect at the start of next month. From that day onwards, unvaccinated people will be barred from cafes and restaurants in other islands as well as in Male’. And they will be banned from access to domestic flights, and establishments such as gyms and salons,” said the official. 

The government official said that verification of the vaccination status of customers will be the responsibility of respective cafes and restaurants. 

Unvaccinated individuals have also been barred from entering schools starting September. 

Maldives launched an ambitious campaign to fully vaccinate 90 percent of the eligible population in the country before the end of this August. The country is also set to start vaccinating children above the age of 12 years. 

As of August 4, 327,579 individuals had received the first dose, and 280,353 have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in Maldives.