Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated the number of non-linked cases unrelated to clusters have increased since the opening of offices and businesses in the Greater Male' Region.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said the increase in the number of independent cases are worrisome and the public must take extra precautions. Noting the government has eased the restrictions on July 1 under phase 3 of the new normal conditions, Dr. Nazla stated independent cases from offices, hospitals and other public spaces have increased in the past week. She said COVID-19 cases have so far been detected from the Parliament of the Maldives, Treetop Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) as well as Bank of Maldives (BML).
Speaking at the press conference, Epidemiologist at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Dr. Ibrahim Afzal expressed citizens have forgotten about the precautionary measures after the ease in restrictions. Dr. Afzal revealed the contacts of the positive cases are on a rise, adding carelessness in taking precautionary measures will cause major challenges in containing COVID-19. He called on everyone to adapt to new normal guidelines and embrace the new lifestyle to avoid another major lockdown.