HPA urges against unnecessary gatherings amid rise in coronavirus cases

Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Monday, issued an appeal to refrain from holding unnecessary gatherings, citing a rise in coronavirus cases with the ease in lockdown measures.

 HPA, in a statement on Monday night, said that coronavirus cases, along with contacts of coronavirus cases, have increased in recent days.

“One reason for this is that some are holding ceremonies, parties, official functions and other such events which involve mass gatherings, following the ease in lockdown measures,” said HPA in its statement.

HPA urged everyone to follow the guidelines and instructions issued by the agency, along with the ‘new normal’ guidelines for workplaces compiled by relevant institutions.

HPA instructs against gathering in groups of more than 30 people in public locations.

It also instructs to hold workplace meetings, other than those which require physical presence, virtually.  And not to hold gatherings, even if it does not exceed 30 people, unless absolutely necessary.

The beginning of July has seen further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions; mosques in the greater Male’ region have been reopened for congregational prayers for the first time in over three months, cafes and restaurants have been allowed to reopen for dine-in services, and offices, gyms, spas and salons have also been reopened.

The relaxation of the restrictions has been marked by an increase in daily infections.

HPA has appealed to people who show symptoms consistent with the new coronavirus, along with their contacts, not stay home and not go out for work or any other purpose.

2,762 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Maldives, including 31 who tested positive this Monday. 2,290 people have recovered, while 13 have died from complications.