President of Maldives Ibrahim Solih has said that his country will reopen borders to arrivals from South Asian countries, subject to an assessment of the COVID-19 situation in each country on July 15,
Solih, in a public statement, said that the primary objective of his government is to restart the country's economy amid the extended lockdown restrictions necessitated by the third wave of COVID-19 infections that peaked in May.
Solih said that the ongoing curfew hours would be reduced to 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. starting July 1. All categories of businesses, including restaurants, gyms and salons, will be permitted to resume operations during non-curfew hours, he said.
Requirements for residents to carry a special pass while traveling during non-curfew hours will be stopped. Mosques will be allowed to resume services under social distancing guidelines. Individuals who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed to travel among islands without the need for mandatory quarantine.