206,114 people in the Maldives received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to statistics by the Health Protection Agency of the Maldives, the island nation vaccinated 7,908 people yesterday, 14th March 2021.
Of the 206,114 people vaccinated, 116,636 people in the Greater Male’ Region received their first dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine. On the other hand, 89,478 people received the vaccine in atolls. Employees in the tourism industry of the Maldives have also started getting their first dose of the vaccine.
Earlier, the President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih urged the public to get the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Maldives started its vaccination drive last month, 1st February 2021. The country is using AstraZeneca’s COVISHIELD vaccine. The vaccine is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India based on the research of Oxford University/AstraZeneca.
Reports suggest the Maldives decided to procure additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. Neighbouring India donated the COVISHIELD vaccine to Maldives on two occasions. Likewise, Maldives and India maintain close bilateral relations.
Titled ‘World’s Leading Destination’ by World Travel Awards in 2020, Maldives is currently among the safest holiday destinations. The island archipelago a geographical advantage over other destinations with its unique islands. With this, social distancing comes naturally to holidaymakers at resorts.
Also read: Maldives Records 96,881 Tourist Arrivals in February 2021
Statistics from the Maldives’ tourism ministry also reveals that over 3,000 people visit the tropical holiday destination every day on average. The Maldives witnessed 227,488 tourist arrivals from 1st January to 12th March 2021. Moreover, tourists spent an average of 9 days in the island nation.
In 2021, Maldives intends to welcome 1.5 million tourists. Furthermore, the Tourism Ministry forecasted that the tropical holiday destination will witness 10 million bed nights this year.
