Authorities advise against taking children outdoors

National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has advised the public to refrain from taking children outdoors. NEOC officials said that some instances of children being taken outdoors during the hours allocated for the elderly were being noticed by the authorities.

The authorities have eased some of the restrictive measures in place across the country on May 28. 

In a press conference tonight, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said that the authorities have noticed some individuals taking children outdoors.

“That is not something we have permitted in any way. So the best way is for elderly individuals to exercise during the hours and make the best use of the opportunity since it is not safe.” Said Dr. Ibrahim Afzal.

Dr. Afzal also said that elderly individuals exercising with masks were not something advised by the health professionals. He added that COVID-19 was not transmitted through the air before saying that elderly individuals do not have to wear masks when outdoors. 

The Maldives has now confirmed 1773 cases of the virus. Out of these cases, 974 cases are Bangladeshi nationals. 563 Maldivians have also tested positive alongside 186 Indian nationals and 23 Nepalese nationals. Nine Sri Lankans and three Pakistani nationals have also tested positive. 

The easements were introduced to the lockdown due to control in the number of reported cases. Authorities have estimated that around 30-50 cases will be reported in the country per day.