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Updated: Foreign Office removes advice against all but essential travel to Maldives resorts

The Foreign Office removed its advice against all but essential travel to four resorts in the Maldives on Thursday evening.

On Monday night, the FCO ruled Kuredu, Vilemendhu, Batalaa and Kuramathi Island Resorts out of bounds in response to confirmed cases of coronavirus.

The temporary quarantine was designed to suppress the spread of the virus.

Kuoni was among the tour operators affected.


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On Monday, the FCO had said: “The Kuredu, Vilemendhu, Batalaa and Kuramathi Island Resorts have all been placed under temporary quarantine.

“If you have upcoming travel plans in these resorts, contact your tour operator and insurance provider for more information.”

The Maldives government is taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

“This includes a temporary ban on all cruise ships from entering and docking in the Maldives,” the FCO added.

Travellers were advised to speak to their tour operator for further information.

A Kuoni spokesperson had added: “We’ve been notified that a small number of islands in the Maldives are currently taking steps to limit the spread of coronavirus infection in line with their prepared plans which have been guided by the Ministry of Tourism and Health Protection Agency.

“The FCO has advised against all but essential travel to four islands, three of which are in the Kuoni programme.

“Kuredu Island Resort, Sandies Bathala and Kuramathi are following temporary quarantine procedures after confirmed cases. Transfers to and from the islands have been suspended.

“All guests due to arrive over the coming days and weeks are being contacted and offered alternative resorts. We’re contacting imminent arrivals first.

“Our reps in the Maldives have been in touch with customers on the islands and they are being kept fully up to date. Guests will remain in the resorts on a full-board basis whilst the resorts are quarantined.

“Our customer service team is here to help anyone with future bookings.

“We’ll be monitoring the situation closely and keeping all customers fully informed.

“All flights and holidays to other resorts we feature in the Maldives are currently operating as normal.”

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