Dr. Nazla Rafeeq, Medical Officer of Health Protection Agency (HPA), has stated that it is time to unlearn the old habits, learn and relearn new practices as the country will not be able to completely revert to previous habits as long as COVID-19 remains a threat.
In a news brief held Monday to provide information on COVID-19, Dr. Nazla said the virus spread has not escalated in the Maldives due to the measures taken by the government. She said one of the most crucial steps to contain the contagion is ‘socials distancing’.
The government has taken numerous measures to encourage social distancing. In that respect, the government offices, schools, and educational institutions are closed. Dine-in services at cafes, restaurants have been banned, and congregational prayers at the mosques have been ceased temporarily. The government encourages to arrange and establish services to be provided online, public to prefer online shopping, and shops to offer delivery services. A curfew was imposed for a week. Furthermore, public gatherings of more than three people are prohibited.
Dr. Nazla said, without adopting those measures, there is no way to control the pandemic for which no vaccine or medication exists. Therefore, until a vaccine is developed, it is of utmost importance to practice social distancing to a greater extent and make the habit a norm, said Dr Nazla.
“We will not be able to revert to the previous normal condition. We will have to adapt to a new normal. We should keep some physical distance, unlike before, and we have to make this a new practice,” said Dr Nazla.
Dr Nazla said it is a challenge for the public health authority to change the public’s habits, and simply providing information is not enough. Therefore, a special campaign will be instigated to raise awareness on social distancing. She added that the authorities and offices should also design and arrange the work environment such that it enables social distancing.
She noted that if there is an outbreak of the virus in the Maldives, it will be hard to provide treatment, and there might not be enough resources to cater for all. Therefore, to prevent such a precarious situation from arising, it is better to take precautions, said the doctor.
Dr Nazla Refeeq
