Situation Maldives: Greater Male’ Area Under 24 Hours Lockdown

Greater Male’ Area, Maldives has been placed under 24 hours lockdown after the confirmation of the first positive case of COVID-19 in Male’ city. The Director General of Public Health issued the order for the 24-hour lockdown today, 15^th April 2020.

The lockdown was enforced in order to carry out thorough contact tracing and to avoid a possible community spread. Male’ city is extremely congested; hence the chances of a community spread is high. However, the government assured that they have been preparing for the worst-case scenario while monitoring the situation closely. Maldives Police Services urged residents to return home by 15:30 hours today.

During the lockdown, no persons will be allowed to enter or exit Male’, Villimale’, Hulhumale’, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu. Furthermore, Public transport including buses and ferries will not be permitted to operate during the 24 hours.

The restrictions do not apply to the police and MNDF officers, those working in health care facilities and their vehicles and ambulances. Individuals and medias with passes from the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) will also be permitted to leave their houses.

The individual tested positive has no travel history, hence it is unsure how the community transmission happened as of yet. Contact tracing of the positive individual has been ongoing since the announcement. The government also placed Kaashidhoo island under monitoring as a direct contact of the individual tested positive travelled to the island. All unauthorized entry and exit from Kaashidhoo is also prohibited until further notice.

President Ibrahim Solih addressed the nation today with teary eyes on live television and repeatedly urged the people to stay home.

Since the beginning of January, Maldives has been preparing for all possible situations due to the spread of COVID-19. The government is ready as we prepared with the worst-case scenario in mind. We have sufficient food and other basic necessities including medicines as of now. While the government authorities deal with the situation, I urge the people to be kind to one another and to stay patient and united during this difficult time.”
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said while addressing the nation today

The president assured that the authorities are taking all necessary measures to combat the virus. He also stated that there is ample food stocks and medicine that the public need and the public will not face any food shortages.

Furthmore, State Trading Organisation (STO) announced eStore.mv services for delivering food and other basic necessities to the people. The Managing Director of STO said on twitter that STO will be providing delivery services for all purchases while encouraging people to stay home.

This is the 06^th Maldivian, and the 21^st individual to test positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives. The individual was transferred to isolation facility earlier today. Maldives has seen 16 recoveries as of now. Two patients are currently being treated while the other two had been repatriated to their home country.

Ministry of Health has also been updating their website on COVID-19 regularly on the Situation Maldives.

Feature Photo by The President Office

In a bold move to streamline government operations, the government merged the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism, creating the new Ministry of Tourism and Environment. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu initiated this restructuring to unite two critical sectors that play pivotal roles in the Maldives’ economy and environmental sustainability.

President Muizzu appointed Thoriq Ibrahim as the new minister. Thoriq assumed his new role after a swearing-in ceremony. He previously served as Minister of Environment and Energy, bringing valuable expertise to this position. In addition, he will balance the Maldives thriving tourism industry with the pressing need to protect and conserve the environment. This remains a crucial priority for a nation facing significant climate challenges.

The merger reduces the number of ministries in the Maldivian government to 19. It opens up exciting opportunities for a unified approach to sustainability and tourism growth. Moreover, President Muizzu discussed the importance of integrating environmental conservation efforts into the tourism sector with Minister Thoriq. This integration aims to boost the Maldives global appeal as a premier eco-friendly destination.

The Maldives tourism industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. It contributes the largest share of GDP and foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, the country’s environmental needs remain just as critical. The Maldives is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and climate change. The newly combined ministry will ensure that tourism growth aligns with environmental preservation. This is a challenging but necessary task for a country that relies heavily on both its natural beauty and environmental resilience.

Meanwhile, Thoriq Ibrahim draws on his experience in the environment ministry to navigate the complex responsibilities of his new role. He addresses multifaceted issues such as climate negotiations, energy policy, and waste management. These are crucial to securing the Maldives’ long-term environmental health. By combining tourism with environmental governance, the ministry will focus on sustainable tourism practices. It will promote eco-friendly resorts and advocate for responsible resource use to protect the nation’s fragile ecosystems.

The merger brings these sectors under one umbrella. There is optimism that this change will foster collaboration and innovation. The Maldives already enjoys a top spot as a tourist destination, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and luxury resorts. With this in mind, the government plans to strengthen the Maldives’ reputation as a sustainable tourism destination. This will ensure the beauty of the islands is preserved for future generations.

The formation of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment represents a promising step toward a more integrated approach to economic growth and environmental stewardship. Under Minister Thoriq Ibrahim’s leadership, the Maldives will enhance its global standing as a sustainable, eco-friendly tourist destination. It will also prioritize the protection of its natural environment. As a result, this merger will create a harmonious balance between tourism development and environmental conservation. Ultimately, it will contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for the Maldives.

Situation Maldives: Greater Male’ Area Under 24 Hours Lockdown

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