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Maldives govt reassures effective measures underway for COVID-19

Nafaahath Ibrahim
09 March 2020, MVT 09:33
Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed (C) during the press conference held Sunday at the President's Office. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS / MIHAARU
Nafaahath Ibrahim
09 March 2020, MVT 09:33

The Maldivian government on Sunday reassured the public that an efficient and timely manner of measures is underway in response to the COVID-19 reaching Maldives.

The statement was made during a press conference held by the Ministry of Tourism at the President's Office.

Minister Ali Waheed spoke of the preparations undertaken previously by the ministry for a possible outbreak in Maldives.

Additionally, the minister gave specific details, including statistics of medical supplies that have been stocked well in advance and information about the isolation facility established in Vilivaru island, which had not been previously disclosed to the media.

The government along with all the stakeholder agencies will assist all tourism establishments to cope with repercussions that would come with COVID-19, said Minister Ali Waheed. He went on to state that the decision to impose temporary restrictions on some islands will not affect availability of essential attention, adding that arrangements are being made with particular attention to the safety and security of the people.

Furthermore, the Tourism Minister announced that the government is considering the use of some nonoperational resorts as possible alternative isolation facility locations, that could be utilised with minimal restoration. Noting that the government is aiming to continue economic development alongside preventive measures undertaken to combat the disease, he stressed that Maldives cannot isolate itself from the rest of the world and maintain its economy.

Minister Ali Waheed advised any person who has symptoms of COVID-19 to immediately inform authorities and urged all tourism establishments to continue to share updates of COVID-19 with stakeholder agencies in a timely manner.

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