Discussions have been held on implementing additional measures in the government’s efforts against the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

This was done during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held at the official presidential residence, Mulee'aage on Monday afternoon.

As such, the ministers discussed the impact of the global pandemic, sweeping across the world at a dangerously alarming rate, on the economic growth of the Maldives.

Discussions revolved around immediate steps and future measures to be taken to minimize the adverse effects and mitigate the economic loss being experienced.

Further, they highlighted the multi-agency efforts coordinates under the guidance of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to contain the spread of the disease in the island nation.

The ministers went on to express their continuous gratitude towards healthcare professionals including nurses and doctors as well as volunteers who work at the frontlines of the efforts. They commended their diligence in protecting the people from the pandemic, which emerged in the Maldives on 7 March.

With this being said, the government has been implementing several measures and restrictive action against the spread of the disease, including the suspension of on-arrival visas to inbound tourists. The country’s main source of revenue, the tourism industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic and since then, the government has been initiating means through which the country’s agricultural sector may be boosted.