The state of public health emergency first declared across the Maldives on 12 March 2020 amid fears of the Covid-19 pandemic has been extended until 4 April 2021.

The announcement was publicized in a press release signed by the Minister for Health Ahmed Naseem, which stated that the Ministry had decided to extend the state of public health emergency, first announced on 12 March 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to 4 April 2021 as per the powers vested in them in the Public Health Protection Act (No. 7/12).

This is the 12th time the state of public health emergency has been extended.

The document further declared that the risk of wide-spread escalation of the pandemic in the Maldives remains, and that the ministry has advised citizens to adhere strictly to health guidelines and regulations in place to help limit the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

The health minister stressed on the importance of citizens understanding the current situation of the pandemic in Maldives, and cautioned the public to adhere strictly to the precautionary steps put in place across the nation under the Public Health Protection Act.

The government had revised many of the health guidelines and regulations in place to help ease day-to-day life for citizens and businesses once the Covid-19 caseload began simmering. However, stricter measures such as a curfew and vehicle ban across the capital region, have been enforced following an alarming spike in cases in recent weeks. The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) strongly urges members of the public follow standard health regulations such as avoiding large gatherings, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing during these challenging times.