The Government of Japan has given an emergency grant totaling USD 541,000 to assist the Maldivian government’s Covid-19 response efforts.

The foreign ministry said that USD 356,400 is through UNICEF while USD 158,000 is through the Maldives Red Crescent.

The ministry further said that this grant “will be utilized for procurement of medical equipment and consumables, and for providing technical assistance for the installation of new communications systems in various schools for online teaching programs and tele-classes”.

Expressing appreciation for the “timely assistance,” the Maldivian government noted that it “will go a long way in complementing the existing efforts by the Government in combatting COVID-19”.

Maldives predicts that about MVR 1.4 billion will be used in coronavirus relief efforts, over the next three months. The country has confirmed 491 Covid-19 cases since March 7.

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer had earlier revealed that the country is seeking over USD 200 million in foreign aid to manage the country's finances amid the ongoing pandemic. While the minister had revealed 11 parties in which the government is in discussion with, he added that the country will also require assistance from friendly nations.