Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has called for enhanced safety measures against COVID-19 in transport facilities across the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Head of Contact Tracing at HEOC Aminath Aroosha said some transport service providers are not adhering to the travel guidelines set by Health Protection Agency (HPA). As such, she noted a large number of COVID-19 cases reported from the cluster formed in Dhevvadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll were associated with a ferry operated to the island. She noted several people who travelled on the ferry have been quarantined, as the ferry failed to follow the HPA guidelines on social distancing and hygiene.
Speaking further, Aroosha urged all transport service providers to strictly adhere to the HPA guidelines in providing their service, as COVID-19 transmission can be easily accelerated through transport services. As such, she called on transport service providers to use face masks at all times, maintain social distancing and reduce modes of transmission by eliminating hand contact and introducing cashless payment methods.