Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has expressed confidence the COVID-19 situation in the Maldives will not spiral out of control and beyond the capacity of the healthcare system, despite easing lockdown restrictions.
Speaking at the press conference held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) to announce easing of lockdown restrictions in the Greater Male’ Region, Health Minister Ameen highlighted the spread of COVID-19 has slowed down in the Maldives over the last few weeks, with the rate of spread and direct contacts of each case reduced significantly upon the lockdown measures. He also stated the formation of new clusters has also slowed down significantly, while the number of people testing positive from the tests carried out on a daily basis has reduced to 5%.
The minister expressed confidence the outbreak can be maintained within the control of the healthcare system of the Maldives, if the public continue following the instructions given by authorities. He added the speed at which the country can go back to a normal situation largely depends on the public reaction to easing of lockdown restrictions, noting the situation will be closely monitored and analysed before moving on to the next phase of easing restrictions.
The government has announced the first phase of easing restrictions begins on May 28 for a period of two weeks. While shops and certain businesses are allowed to be opened during this period, schools and government offices will remain closed.