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Situation Maldives: Surge in Numbers

Health Protection Agency of Maldives announces additional positive cases and surge in number of covid patients.
Since the government imposed the lockdown after the first known case of COVID-19 in Male’ City there has been an increase in numbers

Since the government imposed the lockdown after the first known case of COVID-19 in Male’ City. Maldives has seen a surge in the number of cases. As this is the situation in Maldives till today.

As of yet, there are 177 positive cases in Maldives while the number of cases in Male’ city alone is over 100. A number of Maldivians, Bangladeshis, Indians and Sri Lankans have been tested positive within Male’ City. With a population of approximately 539,176 people in Maldives, Male’ City is one of the most congested cities in the world. While Male’ city is under level IV red alert, public health risk alert level nationwide is at level II: yellow alert.

I want to prioritize what we do at present than discuss the future right now. Currently, we are not in a situation to lift the lockdown. This situation does not call for us to go back to our normal way of life at all.”

Health Minister Abdulla Ameen

To ensure that the people are well informed, Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been updating their website in addition to the text message updates. Moreover, HPA has introduced a Dashboard on the website with complete updates of the situation along with charts and diagrams.

With the numbers increasing each day. It has been in question whether the country’s healthcare system has the capacity to treat all the infected patients or not. The truth is, not. Public Health authorities had previously stated that the country’s healthcare system does not have the capacity to treat a large number of patients with a community spread.

To help during this difficult time, a team of 10 medical professionals from Bangladesh arrived in Maldives on 20th April 2020. In addition to that, a number of medical students studying in Nepal had volunteered to offer their services. All students arriving from Nepal would undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine period before they assist in the healthcare facilities.

Maldives currently has 18 quarantine facilities across the country. National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) had announced the development of a new isolation facility in Hulhumale’ earlier this month. The facility will feature an isolation block with a 300-bed capacity, a service building, and an accommodation block for the employees.

With the situation in maldives and country’s economy smashed to the ground. Businesses are finding it a challenge to sustain their expenses and due to which a number of individuals has been unemployed. To support those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, Economic Ministry has decided to provide a stimulus package of MVR5000 to those individuals, for a period of 03 months.

While the entire Maldives faces the global pandemic. The government has been undertaking extreme measures to ensure that the people have food and other basic necessities across the country. MNDF along with the Police have been tirelessly patrolling the streets as well as providing delivery services of goods to households. In order to solve supply issues to the islands. Maldivian Airlines has decided to commence cargo flights to all domestic airports across the Maldives.

As the holy month of Ramadan approached, the decision to ban praying at mosques were undertaken too. While this is the first Ramadan during a complete lockdown amidst a global pandemic, it is also the time to count one’s blessings and be grateful for what they have. Prayers and hope can go a long way during unprecedented times like these. Hoping for a better situation in Maldives.

Feature photo from mihaaru.
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Maldives Creates Ministry of Tourism and Environment for a Greener Future

Ministry of Tourism and Environment: New Maldives Ministry

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.

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