Have We Lost Complete Control of the Covid Situation in the Maldives?

Announcements were made last week regarding the imposing of curfew measures, which were further revised on Thursday to hold it from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. for a period of two weeks in efforts of curbing the rapidly changing covid situation in the Maldives. All government offices have been directed to close and move services online, while schools, universities and colleges have stopped on-site classes as well. In addition to that, tuition centers, Quran classes, giving tuition at home halted & daycare centers closed down as a measure to restrict movement.  

Moreover, inter-island travel has been banned at all circumstances, unless for medical and emergency cases. Local eateries are under strict notice to open only between 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. However, delivery services can be provided until 3 a.m. with the permit issued by Police. Exercise classes have been halted, and gyms, cinemas & salons have been advised to temporarily close effective from 7th May 2021. 

What is more worrisome is the fact that the restrictive measures are not only imposed in the Greater Male’ Region, they are also strictly in place in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Naifaru, Maafushi, Mathiveri, Ukulhas and Eydhafushi Island. Covid has taken over death tolls in the country, rising it to 83 deaths in total with 8 deaths recorded in less than 48 hours.  

In the midst of it all, doctors have raised concerns time and again about the risks of a new variant developing during a mass spread. In a tweet by Dr. Mohamed Ali yesterday, he has declared that a definite new strain is observed in Covid patients in the Maldives, one that is affecting the lungs more vigorously and making it deteriorate faster.  

It has been three days since positive cases hit a record-breaking 700 and the numbers have remained the same, if not rising. HPA also noted that an average of 80 patients are children, 4-5 of them under the age of 1-year-old. Hospitals and Covid health facilities have declared full occupancy, increasing fear of further straining an already exhausted healthcare system in the country. On Thursday, a call was made for volunteers to contribute to health care operations at different levels. They include volunteers on the field and from the medical field.  

It cannot be said that the fourth wave of Covid in the Maldives is a doing of one certain person or party or authority in the spotlight since responsibilities have not been taken to its fullest by anyone. Before the tiny nation hits an irreversible surge, we all must step up and take social responsibility, starting at an individual level and do our part in flattening the curve.