Protest staged over strengthened virus safety measures

HPA measures strengthened in light of an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases has resulted in a public protest in front of the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) in Dharubaaruge.

A small group of protesters, including restaurant owners, expressed anger towards government-enforced measures to curb the spread o the virus, such as the banning of vehicles on the streets of Male’ City after 20:00 which is to come into effect tonight. 

Restaurant owners expressed anger during the protest and stated the dire situation of their businesses as one of their main concerns. 

Some members of the protest even called on the authorities to explain the need for the measure banning motor vehicles and called to meet with authorities. 

HPA has stated that the vehicle ban was in order to curb the spread of the virus among the youth age group, which currently has the highest amount of reported cases. 

The Maldives has so far confirmed 6,660 cases as of last night. There are 2,486 active cases along with 169 hospitalized cases.