Ministry of Health has extended the State of Public Health Emergency in the Maldives for the 17th time. The State of Public Health Emergency imposed in the country last year has been extended until August 2, according to the health ministry.
A circular signed by Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem stated the decision to extend the State of Public Health Emergency was made to take the necessary measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives. The health minister has instructed Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru to continue implementing the measures required to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the Maldives. The Maldives initially declared a State of Public Health Emergency on March 12 last year.
Several measures were imposed in the country to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19 earlier this year. With efficient measures, the daily toll has been reduced below 150, although daily cases exceeded over 1,500 in May. However, the authorities have asked the public to be cautious about personal health and hygiene to maintain the lowering numbers across the country.