President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that a full lockdown in Male’ area would bring with it, several difficult challenges for the public.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the damages caused by Friday night’s fire in Henveiru, President Solih said a full lockdown may have to be imposed once again if the number of COVID-19 positive cases continue to increase in the Greater Male' Regoin. However, the government is doing its best to avoid such a situation, and find other means to control the situation, said the president.
This can only be achieved if the public adheres to the guidelines imposed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), said President Solih. If the public does not cooperate with the steps being taken by the authorities, the government would be forced to take measures to protect the country’s citizens, the president warned.
The president also criticized the opposition, PPM-PNC coalition’s motorcycle rally held on Friday. The president noted that several people disregarded the HPA’s guidelines, adding that HPA’s instructions carry legal weight. No persons will be given the opportunity to act against it, and action will be taken against them, warned the president.
The number of COVID-19 cases in the Maldives have been increasing rapidly over the past few weeks. 7,469 cases and 28 have been recorded to date.
