Public health emergency might be extended even if the capital’s Covid-19 lockdown is lifted, says Health Minister Abdulla Ameen.

The minister made the statement during an interview on RaajjeTV’s Covid-19 coverage, on Wednesday night.

While a one-month public health emergency was declared across the Maldives, it was extended to May 31. Under the public health emergency, the director general of public health had imposed a lockdown in the capital, following the detection of a Covid-19 community spread on April 15.

On Wednesday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih revealed plans to ease lockdown restrictions, set to end on May 28, in phases.

Speaking on RaajjeTV, Minister Ameen said that the purpose of the public health emergency is to allow such precautionary measures to be taken in order to ensure the safety of the people. He noted that the public health emergency paves way for authorities to take the required measures, and stressed that there is high possibility of it being extended again.

However, the health minister stated that this “is yet to be decided”.

Ameen further noted that the government’s decision will be based on the country’s situation and after discussions with the relevant parties.