Male’ City, capital of Maldives records the first confirmed case of Covid-19 detected in a Maldivian national living in the city on 15th April, Wednesday. As an immediate precautionary measure, the greater Male’ area is under lock-down for the next 24 hours under the orders of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) The lock-down commenced on 15:30, local time.
Also, Kaafu Atoll, Kaashidhoo is placed under monitoring with regards to the travel history of the national.
The following measures stated by Maimoona Aboobakuri, HPA’s Director General of Public Health were put to effect during the 24-hour lockdown:
- No vehicles and persons will be allowed on the streets of Male’, Vilimale’ and Hulhumale’
- Public transportation for example, bus and ferry services between Male’, Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’ will cease
- No persons will be allowed to enter or leave Male’, Villimale’, Hulhumale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu
The following are exempt from the above mentioned measures:
- Officials and vehicles of Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defence Force
- Ambulances, and healthcare professionals and their vehicles
- Persons with a pass issued by the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC)
- Media with a pass issued by the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC)
With these measures, Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has put a stop to all the company’s services in the greater Male’ region.
Further, unauthorized vehicles docked in the capital city are not allowed to depart during the course of the lock-down.
With 5 active cases of Covid-19 in the Maldives among 21 confirmed cases, Maldives has been directly impacted by the global outbreak of the virus including grave economic complications arising with the tourism industry coming to a sudden halt with international lock-downs of airports and cities.
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