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Maldives coronavirus cases cross 600
Coronavirus cases in the Maldives have crossed the 600th mark after the island nation reported 42 new infections Wednesday.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) said 42 new cases from capital Male were detected Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the 6.8 square kilometre island-city to above 550 and the national tally to 618.
Wednesday’s cases include eights Maldivians, as well as 36 migrant workers, including 34 Bangladeshis and two Indians.
The confirmed local transmission clusters in the country now include 323 Bangladeshis, 213 Maldivians, 54 Indians, five Nepalis, four Sri Lankans and three Pakistanis.
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 618.
Two deaths have been reported and 20 have made full recoveries. Five remain in intensive care.
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.
Photo: Sun Online
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, in collaboration with BRICS Entertainment, has announced the continuation of the global journey of JODOKCELLO — the barefoot cellist from the Swiss Alps whose performances have reached millions worldwide.
Born in the hills of Emmental, Switzerland, Jodok Vuille, known professionally as JODOKCELLO, has transformed the way audiences experience classical music. Having built his own cello and performed barefoot across mountaintops and global stages, his approach to music is rooted in authenticity, presence, and human connection.
With over 15 million followers and collaborations with international brands and artists including Mercedes-Benz, Swatch Group, FC Barcelona, Alan Walker, IL VOLO, and Lindsey Stirling, JODOKCELLO has become one of Switzerland’s leading cultural figures. His work continues to transcend musical boundaries and inspire audiences across generations.
As part of his ongoing three-year global initiative, the Barefoot in the Sand Tour, JODOKCELLO will perform an exclusive set at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives during the resort’s management cocktails on 18 October. The collaboration highlights Alila’s dedication to curating meaningful experiences that celebrate both creativity and nature.
“Music is not just sound. It’s connection. It’s presence. It’s the truth,” said JODOKCELLO.
His barefoot performance, set against the backdrop of the Maldivian horizon, will offer guests a distinctive cultural moment that intertwines artistry, authenticity, and environment.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said: “Hosting JODOKCELLO at Alila Kothaifaru is an honour. His artistry reflects the same values we uphold — authenticity, connection, and respect for nature. This will be an unforgettable experience for our guests.”
The Barefoot in the Sand Tour marks a new chapter in JODOKCELLO’s artistic journey — one that extends beyond concert halls, bringing his message of presence and unity to audiences around the world.
Xanadu Spa at Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the arrival of Devendra Pokhriyal, a highly regarded wellness practitioner from the Himalayan foothills of India, who will serve as a Visiting Practitioner from 23 October 2025 to 7 January 2026. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience his renowned healing therapies during this four-month residency.
Hailing from the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, Devendra brings extensive expertise across a diverse range of holistic disciplines, including Ayurvedic consultations, detox programmes, myofascial release, dry needling, marma therapy, and energy healing. His therapies are recognised for their ability to relieve pain, enhance mobility, and restore harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
“We are excited to welcome Devendra as a Visiting Practitioner at Xanadu Spa,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “His authentic Himalayan knowledge and holistic approach will enrich our guests’ wellness journeys and add a distinctive dimension to their time on the island.”
During his residency, Devendra will offer a curated menu of treatments, including:
- Ayurvedic Consultations – personalised wellness guidance based on Ayurvedic principles.
- Marma Healing Therapy – revitalising energy flow and vitality through ancient Ayurvedic techniques.
- Remedial Massage – a bespoke full-body experience combining deep-tissue techniques, Thai stretching, and wooden tapping along meridian lines.
- Detox and Healing Therapies – including slimming detox massages, myofascial release, and nasya sinus cleansing.
Known for his compassionate and intuitive approach, Devendra has guided guests across the world toward relaxation, recovery, and transformation. His limited-time residency at Xanadu Spa presents a rare opportunity for guests of Ifuru Island to immerse themselves in authentic Himalayan-inspired wellness in the heart of the Maldives.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the launch of its global Instagram giveaway, Win the Maldivian Spirit, marking a key milestone in the group’s 35th anniversary celebrations of Maldivian hospitality. Running from October to November 2025, the campaign invites travellers from around the world to experience the Maldives in style, with one winner and three companions receiving a seven-night stay at any resort within the Sun Siyam Lifestyle Collection.
The prize includes a 24-hour all-inclusive package, airport transfers, a luxury spa treatment, a private dining experience, and a choice between diving or watersports adventures.
The initiative coincides with the unveiling of Sun Siyam Resorts’ brand (r)evolution — a transformation that extends beyond a visual refresh. Centred on the new brand statement, The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, the rebrand unites all six resorts under The House of Siyam, now grouped into three distinctive collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle. Alongside this, the brand has introduced new Signature Experiences and launched Siyam Rewards to strengthen guest engagement.
Participation in the giveaway is straightforward:
- Follow @sunsiyamresorts on Instagram
- Like the giveaway post
Open globally, the campaign seeks to grow Sun Siyam’s online community while showcasing its refreshed identity. Through engaging reels, influencer collaborations, and interactive content, the campaign aims to share a glimpse of the authentic warmth and spirit that define Maldivian hospitality.
“We are thrilled to share the Maldivian Spirit with a global audience through this campaign,” said Shammun Mohamed, Director of Digital Communications at Sun Siyam. “This is not just a chance to win a holiday; it’s an invitation to experience the beauty, warmth, and unforgettable moments that define Sun Siyam.”
The giveaway will close on 25 November 2025, with the winner announced on 30 November 2025 via @sunsiyamresorts on Instagram, where all campaign details are available.
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