Health ministry to plant thermal cameras to screen arrivals

The Ministry of Health has revealed plans to plant thermal cameras across airports, including Velana International Airport (VIA) in order to screen arriving tourists.

Speaking to press on Wednesday afternoon, Minister of Health, Abdulla Ameen stated that they are to implement a screening process at VIA, as well as southernmost Addu City’s international airport. Thermal cameras are also to be planted at ports and all entries into the country.

This comes at a time the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has predicted the risk of a coronavirus outbreak in Maldives.

Thus far, the ministry is operating just one camera at VIA, however, a total of six will be planted in the coming days.

Further, the ministry is also making arrangements to isolate individuals who are suspected of being infected.

Ameen added that the ministry will also be sending samples abroad for testing as well as conducting awareness programmes for which preparations are currently underway.

Assuring the public that the ministry will put in their best efforts to ensure the people’s safety from the life-threatening disease, the minister said that they are following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) closely.

Speaking at the press conference, a WHO representative confirmed that the organization is monitoring this trend globally and that till Tuesday, 296 cases were officially reported to them.

He added that more cases are expected to arise.

Providing the latest updates of the recent measles outbreak in the country, Ameen said that thus far, the ministry has run tests for 79 individuals out of which four turned positive to the disease.

3,100 individuals have been vaccinated for measles thus far, said the minister who added that a lot of information from outlying atolls is being compiled in order to kick start their vaccination campaign.

There is a number of outlying atolls residents who have not completed the required two doses, stressed the minister.