As cases rise, President calls to wear masks, adhere to guidelines

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at a press conference on June 23, 2020. (Photo/President's Office)

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that going into another lockdown is not the right way for the Maldives and advised locals to wear masks when outdoors.

Masks have been made mandatory for Male’ City residents as case numbers of COVID-19 keep on increasing in the capital. Authorities are also stressing to adhere to guidelines.

President Solih tweeted today and called on the public to wear masks and obey the guidelines and advice of the Health Protection Agency.

The capital was placed in a strict lockdown after the first case of COVID-19 was identified in the capital on April 15. After more than four months, lockdown easements were introduced as the country tried to regain its economic footing and return to a “New Normal”.

Borders of the country were reopened, government offices were also reopened as part of the easements and the public was once again permitted outdoors.

However, due to the surge in case numbers, calls have been amplified for a return to the lockdown. Yesterday, the country confirmed its highest total number of cases with 215 positive cases.

The total number of cases has now increased to 4,164, along with 18 deaths. Active cases are at 1,489 while 84 people are receiving treatment at hospitals.

Other than the capital, cases have also been identified in the following islands.