National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has stated preventive proactive measures taken by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) can only be relaxed after it guarantees there is no possibility of a community spread of COVID-19.
Speaking at a press conference, Head of Communicable Diseases at HPA, Dr. Fathimath Nazla said measures will be revised and monitored closely depending on the situations. Stating the public would want a normal life as soon as possible, she said negligence and complacency will delay the possibility of a normal life as complacency might cause an outbreak.
The doctor said HPA is currently investigating a possibility of a community spread in two approaches; one via testing people who are admitted due to difficulties breathing and via testing people who consult the various flu clinics. She remarked there is no indication of a possible community spread thus far.
Moreover, Dr. Nazla said HPA is currently observing the condition and measures taken in the Maldives to curb the virus can only be relaxed after ensuring there is no chance for a community spread. Additionally, she said the administration does not intend to take a risk and hence, measures will be relaxed in due time. She revealed plans of HPA in carrying a study to identify a possible community spread.
Dr. Nazla called on the people to follow instructions and support the efforts of the government to contain the virus in Maldives stating, safety and preventive measures currently in place will not be successful if a minority practices the measures. She said a single act could cause an outbreak in the country.
Although the measures taken have been causing inconvenience to the people as it disrupts the normal public life, Dr. Nazla stressed on the importance of following the instructions as they have been taken for the safety of the people.