Minister: We can’t afford to relax; the days ahead won’t be easy

Health Minister Abdulla Ameen, on Sunday, urged the public to remain vigilant in adhering to the instructions of government authorities, warning that the days ahead won’t be easy, and Maldives could not afford to relax, despite the indications of success in containing COVID-19 cases in the country.

He made the comment at the opening of a workshop on enhancing capacity for critical care regarding COVID-19 in Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) this morning.

Ameen said that while numbers suggested success in slowing down the speed of virus cases, Maldives could not afford to relax its stance and celebrate the success.

He said that the virus continued to spread at an unprecedented rate across the world, and that it presented challenges to Maldives.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the instructions of doctors and other health experts in order to overcome the situation.

“If you are able to follow the instructions and stay home for 14 days, the days ahead in your lives will be happy,” said Ameen.

Ameen said that Maldives had implemented stronger measures than any other country to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19, and said the government had not hesitated in taking any action.

13 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Maldives, all of whom are foreign nationals who were either working or vacationing in resorts or safaris. Of the 13 people, five were from Kuredu Island Resort, two from Sandies Bathala, two from Kuramathi Island Resort, two from Anantara Dhigu, and two from Island Safari-1.

Three have since recovered, but continue to be closely monitored at isolation facilities.