Health Protection Agency (HPA) has affirmed the safety of healthcare workers and volunteers working in the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be compromised.
HPA made the statement following an incident where a member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) was assaulted while working on obtaining samples for testing. It is believed the RRT member was assaulted by a parliamentarian, who complained the nasal swab was not taken in a gentle manner. Maldives Police Service (MPS) has also confirmed it is probing a case involving assault of a frontline worker by a parliamentarian.
In response to the incident, HPA stated the services provided by RRT in obtaining and testing samples for COVID-19 are provided in a professional manner, in accordance to internationally accepted standards. The agency said any concerns from the public regarding the service will also be clarified and answered in the same professional manner.
HPA further stated it will not compromise the safety of healthcare workers and volunteers working in the frontline of the pandemic. HPA requested for cooperation from the public to ensure the safety of frontline workers.