Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced the restrictions imposed In the Maldives could be eased for the month of Ramadan if the vaccination coverage is strengthened in the coming days.
Speaking at the Parliament Committee on Economic Affairs, Director General of Public Health Maimoona Abubakuru reiterated the efforts of the government and relevant authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19 and detailed the efforts to ensure the situation of the pandemic does not worsen in the country. When asked about the effects on cafés, restaurants and individual businesses, the director general said the restrictions can only be eased after considering the amount of people who gets vaccinated. She noted the importance of achieving a better vaccine coverage if measures are to be eased.
Further, Director General Maimoona highlighted the State of Public Health Emergency enforced in the country under Article 12 of Public Health Act is required in the situation as it had eased the process to contain the spread of COVID-19. Highlighting policies will be made regarding the changes which can be brought for the month of Ramadan considering the situation, Maimoona reiterated her call to strengthen the vaccine coverage. Expressing the situation of COVID-19 is a different experience, she added all individuals suffered negative impacts of the global pandemic on all economic aspects.
Furthermore, Maimoona said special measures were imposed on food outlets as the establishments are categorised as high-risk places of spreading COVID-19 within the community. Maimoona said restrictions are imposed not to disrupt businesses or individuals but rather to control the spread of COVID-19 as early as possible. She said the guidelines and policies are made in the best interest of all individuals. She also assured all guidelines are shaped after considering all technicalities.
In conclusion, she appreciated the patience and support received from the public in the fight against COVID-19.