Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called for stronger measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former President Maumoon made the statement following the worsening COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka. The neighbouring country announced it will be imposing a lockdown until August 30, after it began recording a daily average of over 3,000 infections. In a tweet, Maumoon highlighted the worsened situation in Sri Lanka and urged the government of the Maldives to place stronger measures in the country.
The government has eased COVID-19 restrictions following the significant decrease in infections in the Maldives. However, Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued COVID-19-related guidelines for businesses and citizens to follow to prevent a new outbreak in the country.
Furthermore, the government is conducting a nationwide vaccination programme to inoculate 90% of the eligible Maldivian population by the end of the month. Ministry of Education and schools have also begun administering the Pfizer vaccine to students aged 12 to 17 and other eligible individuals. The government has warned that measures will be put in place for eligible individuals who have refused to get vaccinated.