Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated the current focus of the government is to control the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
Speaking to PSM News, Health Minister Ameen said the Maldives has been preparing for the worst-case scenario of the spread of COVID-19, noting all the efforts of the government are currently dedicated to controlling the community spread of the disease. The minister noted the disease has spiralled out of control in some countries due to failure in observing the required physical and social distances among individuals as well as failure to impose control measures in advance. He said it is important to learn from the mistakes made by other countries to ensure the spread of the disease can be maintained within the capacity of the healthcare system in the country.
The health minister highlighted the importance of fulfilling the individual responsibility of each and every citizen of the Maldives in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. Speaking in this regard, the minister urged the public to follow the instructions given by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and to stay indoors as much as possible. He also urged to avoid any unnecessary meet-ups or gatherings and to maintain proper hygiene in order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.
The minister noted the government is in efforts to transport staple food items and medicine to all the islands in the country. He said there is no need to panic and overstock food and other items at home, as the government will ensure the supply of all essential items.
Noting the country is going through a difficult period, the health minister requested cooperation from all citizens in order to overcome the current situation.