Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated the State of Public Health Emergency declared in the Maldives due to global COVID-19 pandemic could be lifted by mid-July if the situation does not worsen.
Speaking to PSM News, Health Minister Ameen said the Maldives has taken successful measures in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Highlighting the decision of the administration to ease the lockdown, he remarked successful efforts in reducing the number of cases recorded daily in addition to testing arrangements in atolls.
The Maldives has now entered phase three of the lockdown ease plan as the number of cases reported has reduced significantly, allowing businesses and government offices to reopen. The State of Public Health Emergency declared in the Maldives will expire on July 14.
Health Minister Ameen further shared the health emergency declared will be lifted after monitoring the situation for a period of two weeks to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 as experienced in many other countries. He added the two weeks would allow the administrationt to revise and take the necessary measures.
The Maldives initially declared a State of Public Health Emergency on March 12 after the country recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 7. Furthermore, a lockdown order was issued in the Greater Male' Region on April 15 after a community spread was reported in the capital, Male' City.
After imposing a full lockdown in the Greater Male' Region for 44 days, the administration began easing lockdown restrictions. Male' region is the only area under monitoring due to COVID-19.