Ministry of Health has extended the State of Public Health Emergency in the Maldives until August 7. This is the fifth time the State of Public Health Emergency was extended in the Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A circular signed by Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen stated the decision was made as the Director General of Public Health Maimoona Abubakuru has advised to extend the State of Public Health Emergency to ensure the risk of spreading COVID-19 is contained in the Maldives. The director general of public health is granted with certain powers and authorities to isolate or quarantine individuals in addition to taking other necessary measures without delays with the declaration of the State of Public Health Emergency in the Maldives.
The government has begun easing the restrictions in phases as the number of COVID-19 cases began to drop in the Maldives. However, the cases have begun to significantly increased as offices, businesses, hospitals and other public spaces were permitted to reopen for the public under phase 3 of the new normal conditions.
The Maldives initially declared a State of Public Health Emergency on March 12.