President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced efforts are underway to ease the lockdown imposed in the Greater Male’ Region. The president made the remarks addressing the nation over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has imposed a lockdown in the Greater Male' Region until May 28 as part of the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Other preventive measures enforced by the government include banning congregational prayers, travelling between islands, and closing government offices, schools and restaurants.
In a televised address, President Solih said discussions are being held with professionals of the health sector to ease the restrictions on the Greater Male’ Region after May 28. The president stated the situation and the development of COVID-19 in the Maldives will be referred before easing the lockdown
The president said the Maldives has managed to minimise the projected amount of cases and maintained the situation without escalating. He further praised the efforts of health professionals and the proactive measures imposed to contain COVID-19 in the country.
Furthermore, President Solih underlined restrictions on the Greater Male’ Region and the outlying islands can be only eased in phases by assessing the situation. The president revealed rather than lifting all the restrictions at once, it will be done strategically. He added under a strategic plan and policy, schools, restaurants and other public spaces will be opened in the coming days.
Continuing on, President Solih underscored the utmost importance, during the current situation, is given on arranging facilities required to contain COVID-19. It is crucial to ensure the testing capacity is enhanced in the coming days when the restrictions are eased, the president said. He noted discussions are also held to lift restrictions on the islands with no reported cases of COVID-19.
In conclusion, the president stated discussions on easing restrictions and lockdowns are aimed at easing the challenges faced by the citizens. He urged all citizens to be cautious about the precautionary measures and to follow the advice of the authorities despite the ease of restrictions in the future.