The Government of Maldives has established an Emergency Operation Centre to further strengthen measures against the global COVID-19 outbreak.
The emergency centre was formed comprising of Health Protection Agency (HPA) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), upon advisory of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The centre was established with the purpose to monitor the situation of Maldives in relevance to COVID-19 and measures to be taken based on the situation.
Considering the reach of COVID-19 to other countries and its situation, Maldives is taking precautionary measures as there is a possibility of the virus reaching the island nation. Although, no patients have been tested positive for COVID-19, several measures are imposed on a national level by relevant authorities.
Moreover, HPA and NDMA conducted an emergency drill to determine the actions to be taken in case of an outbreak. The drill also determined actions to be taken by relevant authorities if a patient was found positive for COVID-19. During the drill, information was disseminated on how a household can be quarantined in case a person from a house is being tested COVID-19.
Furthermore, the administration is in efforts to introduce a travel clinic in Maldives as a measure against COVID-19. The purpose of the clinic is to screen travellers coming to Maldives for COVID-19.
In addition, the president instructed authorities to reach out to the people and exponentially increase awareness efforts of risk factors and preventive measures that can be taken as a safeguard against the virus.