National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) has established the first PCR sampling station in Hulhumale’ for passengers leaving from safari vessels.

NBAM said that the sampling station was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Maldives Police Service following the Tourism Ministry’s circular on PCR testing for departing tourists issued on 10 August 2020.

Tourism Ministry said that vessels operating or cruising across the country may coordinate the Atoll or Regional Hospital focal points and make arrangements for sampling. However, safari vessels are required to keep a stock of UTM test kits and make arrangements for sample transportation through collection points.

The special testing hut located near the Hulhumale’ Jetty Area was proactive initiative proposed to the Toursim Ministry and HDC by the NBAM and coordinated the setup of the collection hut within five days and collected the first sample on 10 August.

Minsitry of Tourism advises all facilities to adhere with the guidelines set forth by the relevant authorities and has advised that tourists that require a negative PCR for their respective outbound flights are not taken to the airport without one in hand.

Details of the guests being tested must be shared in advance via email ([email protected]) in order to book and make arrangements.

Boat operators are also advised to ensure that the samples are collected with sufficient time in advance for the test to be run before the departure flight.