President discusses current coronavirus situation with Cabinet ministers

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih convened his Cabinet ministers on Tuesday, for discussions  regarding Maldives’ current situation with regard to the progress in the efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

The meeting took place at the President’s Office on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the President’s Office, the Cabinet discussed the latest updates relevant to coronavirus outbreak.

 Discussions also focused on the current precautionary measures in place, and on further measures which should be taken in order to ensure the protection of public health.

Maldives identified its first coronavirus case on March 7, and declared a state of public health emergency over the pandemic less than a week later on March 12.

While coronavirus cases had initially been restricted to resorts and safaris, and later quarantine facilities holding inbound travelers, Male’ City identified its first coronavirus case on April 15, prompting a city-wide lockdown and a nationwide ban on nonessential travel.

The populous capital quickly emerged as the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Maldives, contributing to over 90 percent of total cases.

Maldives has recorded 2,999 coronavirus cases and 2,369 recoveries. 15 coronavirus patients have died from complications.

The number of active coronavirus cases stands at 600, out of whom 52 are hospitalized.

The beginning of July has seen further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions; mosques in the greater Male’ region have been reopened for congregational prayers, cafes and restaurants reopened for dine-in services, government offices and courthouses have officially reopened, and schools have partially reopened.

The country’s borders, which were closed on March 27, reopened after more than three months on July 15.

The relaxation of the coronavirus restrictions has seen a spike in coronavirus cases. An increasing number of coronavirus cases identified in July have no link to existing clusters, which health officials warn is an indication of a wide community spread.