Within the past week, Maldives has seen an alarming rise in the number individuals tested positive for COVID-19. Seeing 527 positive cases and 01 death due to the virus, further extension of the lockdown was much needed due to the situation in Maldives.
The rapid increase in the number of infected individuals and the first COVID-19 associated death has forced the government to extend the lockdown even further to contain the spread of the virus. The deceased individual was an 83 year old woman from the capital city of Male’. Whilst the country has recorded 18 recoveries till now.
The community spread affected a disproportionately greater number of migrant workers living in Male’ city. While they are at greater risk of contact tracing, the Director General of Public Health have imposed quarantining of vulnerable workers in greater Male’ area. They are currently quarantined outside Male’ and under the protection of the government of Maldives in regards to the situation in Maldives.
While the healthcare system lacks the capacity to treat a large number of patients at the same time, a number of countries have provided generous donations to help strengthen Maldives’ grasp on the situation. This includes the generous donations from China in the form of disposable protective masks, N95 and KN95 masks, infrared thermometers, goggles, medical protective suits, care beds, testing kits, ventilators, sampling sticks and detection reagent extractant. In addition to that, Singapore and Thailand donated additional medical equipment to the Maldives to help strengthen the healthcare system. Furthermore, Velaa Private Island donated 10,000 testing kits and face masks, ventilators, PPEs as well as 200 respirators.
The government of United States have provided economic support to the island nation by funding USD 02 million. The government of Japan extended an emergency grant of USD 356,400 for UNICEF and USD 185,000 for Maldives Red Crescent in order to combat the pandemic. Neighbouring India also provided aid of USD 150 million under the bilateral currency swap arrangement facilitated during 2018.
The government of Maldives launched a contract tracing app to further support their efforts of mitigating the community spread. To provide extra assistance to the people during the crisis, a Viber Bot as well.
While the borders still remain closed in Maldives, a special visa permit has been introduced for specific parties. This includes resort owners, investors, and officials from institutions such as the WHO or World Bank. Those arriving under this visa will undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine and will not be permitted to travel between islands. COVID-19 tests will be taken for them within the 24 hours of arrival, as well as after the quarantine period. Government spokesperson, Mabrook Azeez stressed that the resort owners and investors to be staying at their resorts where possible.
As a tourist destination, having the country’s economy smashed to the ground makes one wonder if there is a chance of getting back to the same level in the near future.
Once the borders are open, we have the UNWTO guidelines in place to make sure the airport to the tourist resorts they travel to is where safety is ensured for their well-being. Naturally, I must say that we are blessed with scattered islands. Which is good for a country like us because you are isolated in these islands and not mixed with others. That’s the beauty and safety of this destinations. Hopefully we will kick-start and restart our industry in the third quarter depending on the stability that we bring in controlling the disease right now.”
Ali Waheed, Tourism Minister of Maldives said during an interview with CNN
According to the Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, there more than 500 tourists in Maldives unable to go back to their home countries. During his interview with CNN, Minister stated that they are kept in Dream Island and ensured that the government will continue helping them.
We believe they are like locals, they are the people who have brought this country to where it is now”
Ali Waheed, Tourism Minister of Maldives
With extra precautionary measures in place and the aid from well-wishers, Maldives continues its fight against COVID-19.
