Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated it is not safe to lift the movement restrictions yet despite the notable decrease in daily COVID-19 case numbers in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference, Public Health Expert Dr. Sheena Moosa noted the current control measures imposed in the country has helped to reduce the daily case numbers, although the country is still yet to enter the Green Zone in terms of the spread of the disease. Dr. Sheena said the Green Zone is entered when the percentage of COVID-19 cases which are unlinked to existing clusters drops below 20%. She noted it is not safe to lift or ease the restrictions before entering the Green Zone, adding HEOC will consider easing the restrictions upon the completion of two incubation periods while in the Green Zone.
Speaking further, Dr. Sheena said even if the restrictions are eased in the coming months, the situation cannot return to normal before a vaccine becomes available. She highlighted the importance of adapting to the new normal, which includes certain lifestyle changes to ensure safety from COVID-19. She added the rate at which the country moves forward towards the Green Zone is also dependent on the level of public compliance to the control measures imposed in the country.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq also stated the centre will not consider easing restrictions before two weeks have passed in the Green Zone. Dr. Nazla said restrictions would eventually be eased gradually, step-by-step, with consideration to any changes to the COVID-19 situation upon easing the restrictions. Noting the current restrictions are not very strict, she called on the public to comply with the control measures and to help speed up the recovery process.
The main restrictions currently imposed in the Greater Male’ Region include imposing a curfew from 2200hrs to 0500hrs daily in addition to a vehicle curfew from 2000hrs to 0500hrs, and mandating face masks to be worn in public.