President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has addressed the nation this afternoon regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives. In his address, he restated that the Government's top priority is the well-being of the public and ensuring that all essential needs are fulfilled without difficulty or delay. He noted that while this is undeniably a difficult time for all, the Government is working tirelessly to ensure essential services and goods are easily available in all regions of the Maldives.
Continuing his address, President Solih said that 541 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives thus far and that the most tragic news that we have received during the pandemic is the passing away of the 83-year-old patient who tested positive for the illness. He further said that the Government was doing everything in its power to protect the public from the spread of COVID-19 under the expert guidance of Health Sector Officials and reiterated that his Administration will always prioritise the lives and well-being of the public regardless of the sacrifice.
President Solih also took the time to thank all Health Sector Officials for their efforts, noting that even those who had previously retired or stepped away from active duty have returned to provide any assistance they could in the country's time of need. He also thanked the public for enduring and braving through these turbulent and uncertain days, and for the support provided to the officials working on the frontlines to protect the public from COVID-19.
The President stated that a large number of expatriate workers in the country are vulnerable to COVID-19 due to overcrowded accommodations and updated the public on the efforts being made towards alleviating these conditions. In this regard, he stated that work is underway to construct better accommodations and that some 3000 expatriate workers would be shifted to the new living quarters during the first phase of this project. He also stated that, following talks with the Bangladeshi Government, 1500 unregistered Bangladeshi citizens would be repatriated to their country in the following week.
President Solih also noted that while the end goal is to successfully eradicate COVID-19 from the Maldives and reinstigate economic activities, Health officials have, through studies and projections, forecasted a potential increase in the spread of the pandemic in the Male' City area within the next two weeks. He urged all Maldivian citizens and residents of the country to continue to be aware of their actions and to work together to take all necessary precautions as advised by health officials to stem the spread of the disease.
Noting that COVID-19 may easily penetrate other regions of the country as well, President Solih stated that special attention is being given to ensure that the pandemic does not reach more islands within the Maldives. He noted that prohibiting travel between islands is one of the steps taken to ensure this and beseeched the public to strengthen the defence against COVID-19 by giving their full support and assistance to frontline workers.
President Solih emphasised the civic duty of every citizen and resident to do their part in stemming the further spread of COVID-19. He stated that work was underway to procure further assistance from other countries in securing medication and medical equipment. He also noted the kind donations from several foreign countries and individuals and thanked them for their generous assistance to the Maldives and its people.