MNDF begins disinfecting the streets of Male’

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), on Monday, began disinfecting the streets of the Maldivian capital, Male’ City, to prevent a potential local outbreak of COVID-19.

MNDF spokesperson Major Ibrahim Azim said the work began at 8:45 this morning.

Work of disinfecting the streets will not only be conducted in Male’, but also in suburban Hulhumale’.

While work on disinfecting the streets of Male’ has already begun, no information has been disclosed regarding when the work will begin in Hulhumale’ – which has been tasked to Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Meanwhile, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) expanded its disinfection work to include the streets and open areas of the Velana International Airport on Sunday night. It had previously solely disinfected the rest rooms, terminals and other passenger waiting areas.

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.

Health officials have warned the risk of an outbreak of the virus in Maldives remained very real, despite the success in combatting the virus so far. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and practice social distancing.