No Reason to Close Borders: Minister Dr Mausoom

There will be no need to close the borders again, said Minister of Tourism Dr Abdullah Mausoom.

Dr Mausoom said this as many are speculating that the government is planning another closing of borders given stricter measures have been imposed to counter the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the Maldives. Dr Mausoom said that no such plans to close the borders are being made.

In an interview with "Avas" newspaper, Dr Mausoom said that there is no reason to close the borders. He said that the number of COVID-19 infections in the country can be reduced with the co-operative effort of the citizens, the Health Protection Agency, and health sector. He pointed out that COVID-19 infections have reduced among incoming tourists.

Majlis Speaker, Mohamed Nasheed, has responded to the rumours and speculations of border-closures by stating that closing the borders would not be the wisest measure. He called on people to vaccinate themselves and control the spread of the virus.

The Maldives closed its borders from March 15 to July 15, 2020. Even though Dr Mausoom has stressed that there would be no reason to close the borders, it is worth noting that 215 people had been tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. The rising number of cases is a cause of distress and concern to many.