National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has stated there is currently no island which does not have protective equipment to be used by healthcare workers for COVID-19.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez assured there is no island which has currently run out of protective equipment for COVID-19, noting there are sufficient supplies of masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment to be used by healthcare workers. Mabrook said NEOC does not plan to send large stocks in advance to any island, adding the policy is to send items according to the current needs of every island. However, he said the stock quantities will be increased for islands under a community spread situation.
Furthermore, the spokesperson said the healthcare facilities in islands have been asked to report to NEOC if further supplies are needed. He noted there is a clear guideline on how much protection would be required for any situation, adding the items are being distributed according to the guidelines.
The government has been purchasing large stocks of protective equipment for healthcare workers to be distributed among health facilities. Foreign countries and organisations have also been donating protective equipment to the Maldives.