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Maldives launches coronavirus contact-tracing app

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Maldives launched a digital contact-tracing app Wednesday to help health professionals identify individuals who may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

The voluntary TraceEkee app, now available on Android and pending approval on Apple App Store, has been jointly built by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and a group of local developers using code from Singapore’s TraceTogether app.

“TraceEkee supports the efforts to mitigate community spread of Covid-19 in the Maldives through community-driven detailed contact-tracing,” the HPA said.

How it works

TraceEkee uses Bluetooth to make a series of ‘digital handshakes’ in order to identify when two people with the app come close to one another.

It does this by logging an encrypted reference code for each individual also running the app that you come into close contact with, as well as the date, time and proximity of the contact.

The code is generated based on the nearby phone’s identifier, model, signal strength and time.

The data is securely encrypted and stored on the users’ phone.

No physical location data is collected by the app. The permission structure of devices requires all apps that use Bluetooth to gain location permission.

If a user is found to have had come in contact with someone that had tested positive for Covid-19, the HPA will ask your consent to upload your encounter data for contact tracing analysis.

TraceEkee will also keep you updated on new developments surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in the Maldives and guide you on ways to protect yourself.

Digital contact-tracing

Contact-tracing apps are designed to automatically identify people that are at high risk of having the virus, based on whether someone else they were recently near to has been diagnosed with it.

There are two approaches to achieve this: a centralised or a decentralised model.

In the centralised model, the matching process, which works out which users had been in close contact, happens on a computer server.

This contrasts with the decentralised approach — where the matches take place on users’ handsets.

Many governments, including Singapore and Australia, have opted for the decentralised approach. Switzerland, Estonia and Austria’s Red Cross, as well as a pan-European group called DP3T, are pursuing a similar approach.

Tech giants Apple and Google are also jointly developing an app that adopts a decentralised approach.

The UK is, however, following a centralised approach.

How has the Maldives fared?

The number of coronavirus cases in the Maldives have reached 277 after the island nation reported 27 new infections Wednesday.

HPA said 27 new cases from capital Male were detected Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the 6.8 square kilometre island-city to 265 and the national tally to 277.

The confirmed local transmission clusters in the country include 117 Maldivians, 115 Bangladeshis, 17 Indians, three Pakistanis and two Sri Lankans.

Authorities managed to mitigate the spread of the virus and the Covid-19 respiratory disease it causes amongst the Maldives’ citizens and residents early on by closing the Indian Ocean tourist paradise’s borders, earning praise from the World Health Organisation.

But the disease is now spreading rapidly, especially within the large migrant worker community in capital Male. Authorities have ramped up relocating workers from the cramped up dormitories in one of the world’s most densely populated cities to temporary accommodation units.

An estimated 63,000 foreign nationals work in the Maldives illegally out of a migrant worker population close to 145,000.

Foreign workers in the Maldives, predominantly Bangladeshi and Indian men, are subjected to practices indicative of forced labour, including fraudulent recruitment, confiscation of identity and travel documents, withholding or non-payment of wages, and debt bondage.

As most migrant workers live in extremely poor conditions, a widespread outbreak amongst them could lead to large virus clusters, overwhelming the country’s already under staffed and strained healthcare system and making it harder for authorities to contain the spread of the virus.

On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.

Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.

A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 277.

No deaths have been reported and 17 have made full recoveries. Only one is hospitalised.

The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.

The public health emergency declaration has allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.

Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks have also been shut.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital have been asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.

A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands is also in effect.

The coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.

Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.

However, tourist arrivals saw a year-over-year decline of 22.8 per cent in the first 10 days of March. Officials say the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives could drop by half in 2020.

All international airlines have suspended scheduled operations to the Maldives, as the island nation enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in late March in a bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Even before the visa suspension, the Maldives had closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries, including mainland China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Visitors from three regions of Germany (Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg), two regions of France (Île-de-France and Grand Est) and two regions of South Korea were also banned from entering the country.

All direct flights to and from China, Italy, South Korea and Iran were also cancelled.

Cruise ships and foreign yachts were also banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.

With arrival numbers falling and the visa suspension in effect, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.

Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.

However, the government is at present projecting a possible 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.

Awards

GO TRAVEL Awards honour Sun Siyam Resorts for excellence in sustainable tourism practices

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Sun Siyam Resorts has been awarded the title of “Most Influential Sustainable Hotel Group of the Year” at the 2025 GO TRAVEL Hotel Travel Excellence Awards. This recognition, presented by GOGO Media and Weibo Shanghai, celebrates Sun Siyam Resorts’ exceptional contributions to sustainable tourism in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

This prestigious award highlights the group’s dedication to blending authentic guest experiences with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. At Sun Siyam Resorts, sustainability is not just a practice but an integral part of its operations, shaping how the group interacts with the environment and supports local communities.

Central to Sun Siyam Resorts’ achievements is the “Sun Siyam Cares” program, which encompasses various eco-friendly and community-focused initiatives. These include reducing energy and water consumption, managing waste efficiently, supporting local community development, and investing in renewable energy sources. Through these efforts, Sun Siyam Resorts actively works to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

The group’s commitment extends beyond environmental conservation to cultural preservation, emphasising the protection of local heritage and traditional practices. By prioritising these sustainable practices, Sun Siyam Resorts contributes not only to environmental well-being but also to the socio-economic growth of the communities where it operates.

This recognition at the GO TRAVEL Hotel Travel Excellence Awards underscores Sun Siyam Resorts’ leadership in sustainable tourism, marking a significant milestone in the group’s journey to create memorable, eco-friendly travel experiences. Through a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability, Sun Siyam Resorts offers guests the chance to enjoy extraordinary vacations while leaving a positive impact on the world.

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Tennis legend Marion Bartoli leads exclusive lessons at Siyam World Maldives

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From December 10th to 14th, Siyam World Maldives will host an unforgettable event for tennis enthusiasts and sports lovers. In collaboration with LUX Tennis, the resort welcomes former World No. 7 and Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli for an exciting LUX Tennis Star Event, featuring private lessons, group clinics, and a Meet & Greet with the tennis legend.

After establishing itself as a premier destination for football camps and hosting some of the sport’s greatest players, Siyam World is now shifting focus to tennis, with Marion Bartoli as the latest star to join its roster of sports icons. Guests will have the opportunity to step onto the court with Bartoli herself, gaining insights and tips from one of the sport’s best, whether they’re experienced players or beginners looking to improve their skills.

In collaboration with LUX Tennis, the resort offers a diverse range of tennis activities, from private one-on-one lessons to energetic group clinics, catering to all levels of players. Additionally, a Complimentary Meet & Greet session provides fans with the chance to take photos, engage in conversation with Bartoli, and hear about her inspiring journey from professional player to tennis icon.

Marion Bartoli is a celebrated former professional tennis player from France, known for her unique playing style and remarkable career achievements. She captured the prestigious Wimbledon Championships singles title in 2013, becoming the sixth player in the Open Era to win the title without dropping a set. Bartoli was also a Wimbledon finalist in 2007 and reached the semifinals at the French Open in 2011. Throughout her career, she earned seven singles and three doubles titles on the WTA Tour. Recognised for her unconventional approach, she played with both hands on her forehand and backhand, distinguishing her from traditional players. Bartoli reached her career-high ranking of World No. 7 on January 30, 2012, and returned to this ranking on July 8, 2013, following her Wimbledon victory.

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Dhigali Maldives reopens with refined comfort, sustainable hospitality, and fresh island experiences

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Dhigali Maldives has reopened its doors, welcoming guests to a refreshed island experience following its first major renovation since opening in 2017. Reopening on July 1st, the resort has been transformed to elevate luxury and comfort, combining elegance with natural charm. This renovation reflects Dhigali’s vision of creating an eco-conscious sanctuary, where sophisticated design complements the island’s lush beauty, offering a harmonious and idyllic escape.

A centrepiece of the renovation is the redesigned pool area, now a spacious oasis that invites relaxation and social gatherings. Featuring a sleek pool deck and enhanced lounging options, the area provides an ideal space for guests to unwind in serene surroundings, merging a refined, laid-back ambiance. Whether seeking solitude or connecting with loved ones, the pool has become an essential part of the Dhigali experience, fostering moments of genuine relaxation and atmosphere.

Enhancements to the Lagoon Villas add intimacy, combining scenic views with increased privacy. These updates blend the villa interiors with the picturesque surroundings, creating an experience that feels both exclusive and naturally integrated with the tropical environment. The refreshed design reflects Dhigali’s dedication to refined luxury, providing a setting where comfort and elegance coexist effortlessly.

At the heart of Dhigali Maldives is an unwavering commitment to authenticity and excellence in service, shaping each guest experience to be personal and memorable. This dedication extends beyond standard hospitality; the Dhigali team builds genuine connections with guests, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels naturally attentive. Through thoughtful gestures, the team ensures that every stay is special and uniquely tailored.

Dhigali Maldives remains dedicated to sustainable hospitality, operating with eco-conscious principles that respect the island’s natural landscape. The resort seamlessly integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations, preserving the island’s beauty while providing a luxurious and mindful stay.

As Dhigali Maldives reopens, it stands ready to offer an unforgettable escape. With revitalised spaces, a welcoming spirit, and commitment to the island’s unique charm, Dhigali provides a retreat that blends refined luxury with genuine hospitality, leaving guests with cherished memories long after their visit.

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