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Situation Maldives: Closer to Peak

Tree Top Hospital Hulhumale'
Maldives declared State of Public Health Emergency. While the government has been taking several measures

It has been eight weeks since Maldives declared State of Public Health Emergency. While the government has been taking several measures to strengthen the fight against COVID-19, the next couple of weeks will be crucial to the Maldives.  

Considering the rate at which positive cases are increasing, it is assumed that the country will reach peak by the end of May 2020. The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has warned that the situation could get worse within the next two weeks. Health professionals have made projections of the spread of the virus and has estimated that the Maldives may suffer over 77,000 cases of COVID-19 in total. Research Analyst Dr. Sheena Moosa formed these projections and presented during a press conference stressing on the need to revise the current testing capacity. According to her, authorities may be able to identify about 390 cases on the peak day while in reality, around 1500 cases may occur.

The first positive case in Male’ City on 15th April 2020 led to the greater Male’ Area being under lockdown as an attempt to contain the spread. However, the virus has spread to some of the other residential islands. Although the islands are not under strict lockdown, the residents have been asked to maintain social distancing, avoid public gatherings and banned from inter-island travelling without approval.

Currently, Maldives has confirmed 790 cases of COVID-19 with majority of the infected individuals being foreigners. The country has witnessed 03 deceased due to the virus with two of them being Maldivians and one Bangladeshi. As of yet, the island nation has recorded 29 recoveries.

Frontline workers being at high-risk, 05 police officer as well as a number of MNDF officers are among the infected. In addition to those, some delivery personals as well as some WAMCO staff were also tested positive for COVID-19. While this has created panic among the people, majority of the public has been adhering to the advice of the authorities and relevant figures.

As the majority of the cases are Bangladeshi and Indian workers, the risk of more migrant workers being infected are high. Hence, the countries’ governments have been working towards repatriation. On 08th May 2020, an Indian naval vessel departed from the Maldives with 698 Indian nationals who were left stranded in the country due to the pandemic. An additional group of Indians will be evacuated on 10th April 2020.

A number of repatriation flights have also been conducted within the past few days to repatriate foreigners stuck in Maldives. This includes flights conducted by Srilankan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Skyup Airlines.

Strengthening Healthcare Systems

The government has also been establishing additional quarantine and isolation facilities due to the surge in numbers. This includes Gulhee Falhu quarantine facility with the capacity to accommodate 5000 individuals as well as Hulhumale’ quarantine center.

Furthermore, private hospital Tree Top Hospital has been offered to the government to entirely dedicate the facility for treating COVID-19 patients for three months. The hospital is well equipped with the capacity to treat up to 180 COVID-19 patients at any given time.

Economic Challenges and Recovery Plans

President Ibrahim Solih had set up a resilience and recovery task force to prepare for the reopening of Maldives’ economy post COVID-19. The National Task Force aims to formulate strategies in close coordination with relevant stakeholders in order to revive the country’s economy with combined efforts to boost the economic growth. While the task force will be overseen by the president, it includes working groups on finance, economic recovery and social sector.

Despite the nation’s economy smashed to the ground due to the pandemic, the government has been taking several measures to ease the struggles of the people.

With a number of individuals currently unemployed with no sources of income, the government had introduced stimulus grants to support those affected by the pandemic. On 07th May 2020, the government announced the disbursement of MVR 70 million as relief loans. SMEs and Self-employed individuals facing cashflow constraints can avail these funds through SDFC. A grant scheme for artists and freelancers affected by the situation will also be introduced soon.

However, Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has criticized the government for the lack of timely actions and job losses in the tourism industry. Revealing that the current relief packages were not formulated in consultation with them, MATI added that the challenges faced by the industry needs to be addressed urgently in order to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Whilst the government of Maldives has emphasized on the reopening of borders in July. Being the backbone of the country’s economy, the recovery and resumption of the tourism industry is vital to rise from the economic fall.

Hopeful of combating the pandemic with stronger precautionary measures being implemented, Maldives looks forward to overcoming the pandemic and opening its shores again.

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Exploring Coffee Culture and Its Rise in Southeast Asia

Coffee in Southeast Asia - Slowbar Coffee in Thailand

The love for coffee in Southeast Asia runs deep. What began as a foreign beverage introduced by European colonists centuries ago has now evolved into a vibrant and essential part of daily life across the region. From the strong, sweet brews of Vietnam. To the traditional kopi tubruk of Indonesia. And the burgeoning café culture in Malaysia and Thailand, coffee has become a powerful symbol of connection, culture, and commerce. But how did this once unfamiliar drink become so beloved in Southeast Asia? Let’s explore how coffee took root in the region. How it evolved over time, and why it has become such an integral part of Southeast Asian culture.

The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Southeast Asia

Coffee’s journey through Southeast Asia began centuries ago. Introduced by European colonizers and missionaries. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia were among the first to cultivate coffee beans, and these countries have since become powerhouses in the global coffee trade. Vietnam, for example, has long been known for its iconic iced coffee, cà phê sữa đá, made with strong Robusta beans and sweetened condensed milk. This drink has become a staple of daily life. Often enjoyed in bustling street cafés or small family-owned coffee shops.

Coffee culture in Southeast Asia - Sumatran Coffee in Indonesia
Sumatran Coffee, Indonesia
Image via: Queen Bean Coffee Company Blog

In Indonesia, the coffee culture traces its roots to colonial times when Dutch settlers established large plantations. Today, Indonesia is known for its unique coffee varieties like kopi tubruk (a traditional sweetened coffee) and the globally renowned Sumatra beans. The cultivation of coffee has shaped not only the region’s economy but also its social fabric, as locals gather in cafés to enjoy the rich, bold flavors and connect with one another.

The Rise of Coffee Shops and Specialty Cafés

In recent decades, the rise of specialty coffee shops has further fueled the revolution of coffee in Southeast Asia. These establishments, often featuring artisanal brewing methods and premium beans, cater to an increasingly sophisticated coffee market. Young people, in particular, have embraced the café culture. Transforming these spaces into hubs for socializing, studying, and working. In Thailand, for example, Bangkok’s vibrant coffee scene is home to a growing number of local roasters and internationally inspired cafés. Each offering a unique twist on the traditional coffee experience.

Roots at theCOMMONS, Bangkok, Thailand
Roots at theCOMMONS in Bangkok, Thailand
Image via: Noc Coffee Co

International coffee chains like Starbucks have also played a role in shaping the region’s coffee landscape. Introducing new trends and making coffee more accessible to a wider audience. However, despite this global influence, Southeast Asia’s traditional coffee culture continues to thrive. With many locals still opting for their beloved street-style brews over commercial chains.

Coffee’s Role in Daily Life and Social Gatherings

Coffee is not just a beverage in Southeast Asia. It is a social ritual, deeply intertwined with the culture. In countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, coffee shops are places of community gathering. Where people meet friends, discuss business, or simply relax and enjoy the moment. This sense of camaraderie and tradition is often reflected in the way coffee is consumed. In Vietnam, coffee drinking is often accompanied by lively conversation in outdoor cafés. While in Indonesia, the act of drinking coffee can be a quiet, contemplative experience shared with family or close friends.

The sense of connection that coffee fosters is one of the reasons it is so cherished in the region. It brings people together. Whether in bustling city centers or quiet rural towns, forming a shared experience across generations.

Coffee’s Economic Influence from Bean to Cup

Beyond its cultural impact, coffee has also become a major economic force in Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand are key producers of coffee beans, which are exported globally. This has not only shaped the local economies but has also created opportunities for farmers and small businesses involved in the coffee trade. Coffee cultivation provides jobs for millions of people. From farmers in the mountains of Vietnam to baristas in urban cafés across the region.

The growing demand for specialty coffee has also spurred innovation in the region. With local farmers experimenting with new growing techniques and processing methods to improve the quality of their beans. This has positioned Southeast Asia as a rising star in the global coffee industry. Attracting international attention and investment.

As coffee culture continues to evolve in Southeast Asia, its rich history, diverse flavors, and deep cultural significance will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of coffee worldwide. From its humble beginnings as a colonial import to its current status as a symbol of connection, creativity, and commerce. Southeast Asia’s love for coffee is a testament to the region’s ability to adapt and transform global influences into something uniquely its own.

Feature Image via Aroma Thailand

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