Speaking at a press conference held today by the Minister of Health, Abdulla Ameen has announced a public health emergency in Maldives.
By the discretionary powers vested in the Minister of Health by Section 33 of the 7/2012 Public Health Act the Minister has declared a State of Public Health Emergency for a period of 30 days from 12th March 2020.
In order to protect the well-being of the people, this is the first time Maldives has declared a public health emergency.
As per the law, implementation of a public health emergency means:
-Vaccination programs will be carried out to certain groups of people to protect from a diseases or virus.
-To identify the type of vaccines, and other related medical equipment needed and the group of people who need it the most.
-The right to close educational institutions and prohibit social gatherings.
– The right to restrict social gatherings at certain places at certain times.
-To provide medical assistance to the quarantined personnel.
-To bring a halt or control the land, sea and air transportation.
Please note that this is not a state of emergency.
