Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has stated that the threat of Covid-19 still has not gone from the Maldives and has urged all the citizens to follow the instruction given by the government and abide by the measures taken in the Maldives.
In a news brief held on Friday to confirm a Maldivian has tested positive for Covid-19, for the first time in the Maldives, the minister said the local who is tested positive is a 38-yer-old who arrived from the UK.
The person was isolated on 22 March even though there was no symptom of the virus at that time. However, displayed symptoms on 25 March and tested positive on 27 March.
Therefore, the decision to isolate all those who arrive from overseas proved to be a necessary step said the minister. He further said today we have to accept the fact that the threat of the disease has not gone from the Maldives. Hence, everyone should abide by the measures taken for the safety and security of all.
“Everyone of us has to accept the reality today; the importance of isolation, the essence of being isolated and that the threat of the disease has not gone. It is highly necessary to follow the instructions and abide by the measures taken currently in the Male’, nearby islands and in the atolls as it is for the protection of the whole population”, said minister Ameen.
Minister Ameen said any measure government takes is for the safety of everyone which is based on health experts’ advice. From the very first day, the Maldives have been working bearing in mind that the virus might be detected in the Maldives, further said minister Ameen.
Ameen said even if some challenges will be faced due to the measures taken currently, this is the time to be patient to save one's life. Moreover, being patient today will be a step taken for the safety of tomorrow.
“We urge all the citizens to patiently abide by all the measures taken. We have closed schools and offices as well as limited all the activities for people to stay at home in order to reduce the chance of spreading it even if anyone of us has contracted it without knowing about being infected”, said minister Ameen.
To contain the spread of Covid-19, the government of Maldives has taken stringent measures. In that regard, the government has banned tourist arrivals, and resort operations are almost at a halt. Furthermore, travels between resorts and the inhabited islands are banned, and dine-in services of cafes and restaurants in the Male’ region is also banned and the government has urged people to be at home. In addition, congregation prayers at mosques have been banned temporarily, and government offices, as well as schools, are closed.