Maldives Lockdown- Everything You Need to Know

Wednesday 15th of April 2020

Maldives Lockdown- Everything You Need to Know

On 15th April, as the first local in the Maldives gets tested positive for coronavirus, the country goes into a 24 hours lockdown. This was announced by Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Wednesday afternoon. Hence, during the 24 hours from 15:30, no persons will be allowed to enter or exit Male', Villimale', Hulhumale', Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu.

According to HPA, the Maldivian national, who was tested positive, presented to Male' Flu clinic in Senahiya Military Hospital and she is currently being transferred to an isolation facility. It was also revealed that the patient has no recent travel history and was not in contact with anyone that was previously tested positive for coronavirus in the Maldives.

During the 24 hours of the lockdown, people in Male, Vilimale and Hulhumale are not allowed to go outside and no vehicles will be allowed on the roads. Public transport such as buses and ferries in these areas will also be stopped.

However, the following people will be an exceptional case during the lockdown: Police, health service workers, ambulance and all people and media with the pass from National Emergency Operation Centre.

Further, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) has announced that all services within the Greater Male’ Area will come to a temporary halt due to the lockdown. The company urged citizens and businesses to reduce the waste produced during this period and advice to dispose waste appropriately by using double bags.

According to an announcement by President Mohamed Ibu Solih, the country was prepared for such a situation and the government’s first priority being the safety of the citizens, all actions to contain the spread of coronavirus is being taken by the state. The president informed that during the 24 hour lockdown, HPA will conduct contact tracing of the patient.

Although there will be difficulties faced during such a time, the government states that it is for the benefit of the whole society and this is a time when everyone should be united and patient. The public is being reminded not to panic and access to necessities such as groceries will be provided by shops.

These are the numbers of the shops providing delivery services:

Red wave male 9192299

Red wave Hulhumale 9193399

United food suppliers 7258888

Ihusaan fihaara 7291003

STO 3012485 eSTOre.mv

Agora 7336501