The Maldives on Thursday, 12 March 2020, has announced state of health emergency in light of the viral pandemic; COVID-19's presence in the island nation.
Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen declared the state of health emergency with accordance to Health Protection Act of Maldives, and made the announcement during a press conference at Dharubaaruge convention center.
The emergency has been declared on the island nation for a duration of 30 days.
According to the Section 33 of the Act, precautionary steps or control measures taken during a state of health emergency include:
- Temporary close-down on educational institutions
- Temporary cessation or ban on public gatherings
- Restriction or prohibition of public gathering to specific venues on specific hours
- Precautionary steps or control measures on domestic travel
While Maldives announced the presence of the viral pandemic in the island nation, World Health Organization (WHO) earlier declared the viral sread as pandemic.
An approximate total of 118,000 individuals were reported with the presence of the COVID-19 virus, while there have been 4,642 fatalities due to the pandemic. WHO reported the disease has crossed to a total of 114 countries.
Maldives reported a total of 08 positive cases; all reported from tourists and expatriates, while 15 individuals are at Farukolhufushi undergoing isolated quarantining and another 13 individuals are present at Vilivaru for isolated screening.
