The government of Maldives is ready to extend the lockdown across capital city Malé if required, says Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen.

This was revealed during an emergency press briefing of the government-established Covid-19 task force on Wednesday evening, which was attended by the minister and two of the doctors active in the frontlines of the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

Ameen noted that the 24-hour lockdown, announced on Wednesday, will be extended if the government sees fit.

As such, highlighting that the individual who tested positive to the disease from capital city Malé on Wednesday did not have any travel history or direct contact with other positive patients, minister Ameen noted that the treatment for this disease is to stay home.

Further urging the people to refrain from panicking, Ameen noted that the government has been preparing for this "for a long time" and that the people’s requirements are of utmost important at this time.

He added that should the lockdown be extended, the government will ensure that there are arrangements made to supply food and medicine to the people. This plan will be activated soon, he said.

The minister further said that should a community spread be observed, the government will put the highest priority to delaying the spread of the disease.

Urging the community to be patient and care for one another, minister Ameen stressed on the importance of treating one another as equals and not discriminate between those who test positive for the disease or develop like symptoms.

Highlighting that Malé is “the heart” of everything, the minister urged all healthcare workers and experts to be prepared to join the frontlines of the battle against the infection.