The president of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih urged the public to complete their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination as authorities prepare to administer the 2nd dose.
According to a press release by the President’s Office, over 165,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had been administered so far; with over 95,000 doses in the Greater Malé Area and 60,000 doses across the other parts. Furthermore, the number of migrant workers who had received the first dose amounts to over 22,500. This also includes 373 undocumented workers.
President Solih also remarked on the government’s efforts to address the shortcomings in the health sector through decentralisation. He also spoke about the five tertiary hospitals’ progress in five regions of the country, detailing the service upgrades at the hospitals in Addu and Kulhudhuffushi cities.
On 1st February 2021, Maldives began its COVID-19 vaccination drive with AstraZeneca’s COVISHIELD vaccine. Maldives received 200,000 doses of the COVISHIELD vaccine as a donation from India.
Also read: What Makes the Maldives a COVID-19 Safe Holiday Destination?
COVISHIELD vaccine is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India based on the research of Oxford University/AstraZeneca. In an earlier announcement, the Health Protection Agency of the Maldives revealed that the government signed an agreement with AstraZeneca to purchase 700,000 doses of the COVISHIELD vaccine.
Dubbed the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ by World Travel Awards in 2020, Maldives remains among one of the safest holiday destinations. The island archipelago has a geographical advantage over other destinations with its unique islands.
Each resort in the Maldives is located on its very own private island. Hence, social distancing just comes naturally for holidaymakers. The government of the Maldives has also taken every step to ensure travellers will have a safe experience when they visit the Maldives.
Feature image by The President’s Office
