Discussions held on measures taken to prevent coronavirus outbreak
Although the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed that no cases of the deadly virus have surfaced in the Maldives thus far, authorities have begun implementing preventive measures
The meeting took place on Tuesday afternoon
Discussions have been held on preventative measures linked to the rapid outbreak of novel coronavirus, coming out of China.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with his ministers and heads of relevant authorities during a Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday where discussions revolved around measures that may be taken in order to prevent an outbreak in the Maldives.
During the meeting, Solih inquired about progress of the special task force formed to take preventive measures and actions to prevent an outbreak, going on to urge authorities to pay close attention to carefully monitor the situation.
Further, Solih sought information on the process set to be followed in the event an individual suspected of infection is found in the country, asking the relevant bodies on how they plan to follow through to ensure the safety and security of Maldivian living in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China.
Relevant authorities including ministers at the President’s Office, health sector personnel and officials from Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Disaster Management Center were in attendance at the meeting.
Although the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed that no cases of the deadly virus have surfaced in the Maldives thus far, authorities have begun implementing preventive measures such as planting thermal cameras across entry points including airports.
The ministry began operating thermal cameras at VIA as well as sea ports during the past week following the risk of the wide-spreading deadly coronavirus that comes from China after a cluster of pneumonia cases were reported from Wuhan City, Hubei Province.
Highlighting that suspected individuals will be isolated to run further tests, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen stated that they are also following the protocols set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to curb a possible outbreak in the country, which is yet to begin administering vaccination for the virus. As such, Fonadhoo island in Kaafu atoll has been allocated as a quarantine zone for suspected individuals.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, coughing and breathing difficulties and as it is a relatively new disease, most people have not been vaccinated for it thus far, revealed HPA.
