Maldives has extended the state of public health emergency for the 23rd time.

The state of public health emergency was first declared across the Maldives on 12 March 2020 following the confirmation of coronavirus cases on 7 March 2020.

A press release signed by the Minister for Health Ahmed Naseem and publicized on Thursday, stated that the authorities have decided to extend the state of public health emergency, first announced on 12 March 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic as per the powers vested in them under the Public Health Protection Act (No. 7/12), and under recommendations by the Director General of Public Health, Maimoona Aboobakuru.

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.

With this, the state of public health emergency has been extended to expire on 28 February 2022.

The last extension will expire on Saturday.

Maldives is currently immersed in another Covid-19 wave, with cases currently being reported at an average of 2,000 every day. This came after the New Year celebrations were held where large crowds thronged the capital region to welcome the new year with grand celebrations.

This provoked authorities to strengthen measures across the capital, with gatherings, events and parties with more than 50 persons being prohibited, with those hosting such gatherings cautioned to follow the guidelines set by the authority. In addition, night and city markets have been prohibited, with sports activities closed off to the public as well. Further, those traveling from the capital region will be required to present negative PCR certification valid 72 hours prior if they have passed 14 days since completing both doses of Covid-19 vaccine.

The vaccination drive launched nationwide in February, in also proceeding smoothly, with health authorities recently having rolled out booster doses for immunocompromised persons and those at high risk of complications.