Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated it is considering further tightening of COVID-19 control measures and restrictions in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq noted the current measures have not been effective in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the country. As such, she noted the daily numbers have not gone down, with the number of hospitalised patients reaching a critical level. She added any further worsening of the situation could incapacitate the healthcare system, forcing hospitals to turn away patients due to lack of beds and resources for treatment.
Dr. Nazla said HEOC is considering further tightening of control measures in order to contain the spread of the disease. She noted despite the vehicle ban in the Greater Male’ Region from 1800hrs to 0600hrs every day, a large number of people are seen out on foot for non-essential purposes during these hours. She said many still do not believe or think about the critical situation that the country finds itself in right now.
Number of COVID-19 cases reported in the Maldives has gone above 20,000, including over 2,600 active cases. 186 people are currently hospitalised for COVID-19 treatment in the Maldives.