Director-General of Health requests patience from public regarding virus measures

Director-General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru has requested Maldivians to remain patient and follow the instructions of the government to overcome the situation with the Covid-19 virus in the country.

The government has announced a public health emergency on March 12 following the confirmed cases of the virus in the country and the Director-General has ordered stringent measures to ensure that the virus is contained.

Under the powers granted to the Director-General, she has ordered the closure of public spaces, restaurants, and cafés in the Male’ city area as well as halting the arrival of tourists in inhabited islands across the country. Government spokesperson, Mabrook Azeez shared a message from the Director-General in a news conference tonight.

“The Director-General said that the authorities were aware of the difficulties faced by being placed in an isolation or quarantine facility. She also advised people to remain patient regarding the difficulties faced.” Said Mabrook.

He added that the measures that caused these difficulties were important for the future and that the Director-General requested the cooperation of everyone.

“(Director-General) she is thankful for the cooperation. For the instructions issued by the HPA and the work of the HPA.” Said Mabrook.

Mabrook also highlighted the importance of public effort for these measures such as reporting and called on everyone to view the matter as serious.

The government has ordered a quarantine of 14 days on all arrivals to the country except tourists. Such people placed in quarantine are also being monitored by the authorities.