'Entire population is at risk of becoming infected': Nasheed

Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the COVID-19 infection seems to be spreading across the Maldives despite strict lockdown measures, and that the illness is likely to affect the whole population.

During Wednesday's Parliament sitting, the former president of Maldives highlighted his opinions on the instructions being given by medical professionals and outlined some possible scenarios with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also expressed his displeasure over delays in making arrangements to transport island residents stranded in Male' due to the lockdown imposed on the capital.

Nasheed said the transmission of the virus has not slowed down despite curfews and lockdowns, and prohibition of inter-island travel. While inter-island travel continues to take place despite restrictions, it is likely that the virus will travel to all inhabited islands of the Maldives, said Nasheed. He added that he believes the entire population is at risk of contracting the virus.

'A lockdown was imposed as a social distancing measure for fear that the virus may continue to spread. Despite the lockdown, the virus is still spreading rapidly. I believe it is entirely possible that the virus may reach all islands of the Maldives, it is also possible that the entire population may become infected,' said Nasheed.

Nasheed said the only way to curb the spread of the virus is to restrict every single person from leaving their homes. However, this is not a viable solution, and the society must learn to function with the disease existing within the community, said Nasheed.

'The only way we can ensure the virus does not reach 100 percent [of the population] is to keep the entire population of 500,000 people confined in their spaces. I do not believe this is the direction we must be heading," said the former president.

904 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives. Since the first case of local transmission was identified in capital Male' on April 15, the numbers have been increasing rapidly. The archipelago has recorded three COVID-19 related deaths thus far.