Covid-19: The Maldives is reopening and even Americans are allowed

Here’s some good news for those frustrated by the lack of travel options in the Covid-19 era: The Maldives is reopening to international visitors on July 15. For tourists without symptoms, there is no requirement for quarantine either,” according to an announcement from the Maldives Marketing & PR Corp. Any tourist who does show Covid-19 symptoms will have to pay for a test, the statement cautioned, adding that people with visible symptoms or those with a history of contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case “are advised not to travel to Maldives.” The Maldives has been working toward the reopening for weeks. Safety Protocols The islands’ resorts and accommodations are taking all recommended precautions, a Maldives spokesperson says, and properties have implemented new cleanliness and hygiene protocols to ensure that guests will be safe. Sanitizing luggage before passengers even arrive, requiring a real-time PCR Covid-19 test upon arrival, and taking temperatures every day are all part of the process now, according to the company’s website. “Although this could be considered as being slightly excessive or overcautious, both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are ‘One Island, One Resort’; it is our goal to make our private island homes Covid-19 free environments, so that all of our guests can truly relax and engage with our Hosts and fellow travelers and not feel any concern about a risk of infection,” the site declares.