Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has stated the government does not plan to ease the mandate to wear masks even after all eligible Maldivians complete the vaccine doses for COVID-19. He made the statement at the event held to launch the government programme to administer vaccine doses to adolescents aged 12 to 17.
Health Minister Naseem said the Maldives is now one of the top countries when it comes to vaccine coverage due to the leadership of the government. He said students are a vulnerable population and that he expects vaccines to be administered to adolescents above the age of five in the near future, as there are currently related tests being conducted in the US. The health minister also assured the government will achieve its aim to vaccine 90% of the eligible Maldivian population by the end of the month. He added, however, the government has not made any plans to ease the mandate to wear masks.
The government began the programme in the Greater Male' Region on August 15. Ministry of Education stated the programme to vaccinate adolescents aged 12 to 17 has begun in 15 schools and that 600 students are expected to receive vaccines on the first day.
Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali said the programme will allow students to continue the academic year without fear of school closures and urged parents to encourage their children to get vaccinated.