Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has revealed over 1,000 isolation rooms have been allocated in the Greater Male’ Region for individuals working in the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Tourism Minister Ali Waheed said preparations are underway for the most dangerous period of the pandemic for the Maldives, which is expected to arrive later this month. As such, the minister said arrangements are being made in case front line workers need to be isolated, noting over 1,000 rooms have been allocated in the Greater Male’ Region for front line workers.
Furthermore, the minister said companies working in the tourism industry have provided over 20,000 N95 masks and 5,000 hazmat suits for high-risk workers serving COVID-19 patients. He also noted additional supplies acquired by the tourism industry are expected to arrive later this week.
The tourism minister said the government has acquired most of the facilities required to cope with a surge in COVID-19 cases, including transport facilities. He also noted a backup plan is in place to transport COVID-19 patients by air, in case bad weather obstructs the transport of patients by sea.
Furthermore, the minister noted quarantine and isolation facilities which are being developed for the epidemiological peak of COVID-19 in the Maldives are expected to reach completion within this week. As such, he noted facilities in Hulhumale’ and Villivaru will be completed within 2-3 days.
Minister Ali Waheed assured the government is working on providing all basic services to the people without interruption, despite the circumstances. The minister said there are no plans to impose a stricter lockdown and cause more difficulties to the public. However, he urged the public to take the necessary precautions and follow instructions given by health authorities in order to stay safe from COVID-19.