Maldives has extended the state of public health emergency first declared across the Maldives on 12 March 2020 amid fears of the Covid-19 pandemic, for the 16th time.
The announcement was publicized in a press release signed by the Minister for Health Ahmed Naseem, which stated that the ministry had decided to extend the state of public health emergency, first announced on 12 March 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to 3 June 2021 as per the powers vested in them in the Public Health Protection Act (No. 7/12), under recommendations by the Director General of Public Health, Maimoona Aboobakuru.
The extension is through 2 August 2021.
The document further declared that the risk of wide-spread escalation of the pandemic in the Maldives remains, and that the ministry has advised citizens to adhere strictly to health guidelines and regulations in place to help limit the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
The health minister stressed on the importance of citizens understanding the current situation of the pandemic in Maldives, and cautioned the public to adhere strictly to the precautionary steps put in place across the nation under the Public Health Protection Act.
The government in April revised many of the health guidelines and regulations in place to help ease day-to-day life for citizens and businesses once the Covid-19 caseload began simmering as well as in time for the fasting month of Ramadan 1442 and the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee Elections in mid-April. However, stricter measures such as a vehicle ban across the capital region, were enforced following an alarming spike in cases since late April. These measures have been extended since May 26, with the curfew period extended from 4pm to 8am and individuals were only allowed to go out during non-curfew hours, under special permits.
These measures have however been eased since, the curfew period is currently from 8pm to 4am. Residents are allowed to go out without permits, mosques have been reopened for congregational prayers with social distancing and cafés and restaurants are also open to the public, after the caseload began decreasing over recent weeks.
