Mabrouq: This is the time to prepare for normal life, which may not be the same

The country cannot remain closed, the time to prepare to return back to normal life is now, Maldivian government’s spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez has said.

Mabrouq was speaking in a news conference last night regarding the situation with the Covid-19 pandemic virus in the Maldives when he said that this was the time to prepare for normalcy.

The Maldives is in state of public health emergency after the government made a declaration on March 12. The government offices in the country have been closed for nearly three weeks now and it was announced last night that the government would remain shut for another week.

Schools, colleges and universities have also been closed and a curfew of three-hours has also been implemented in the Male’ city area which includes Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’.

Cafés and restaurants have also been closed as the government urges people to remain indoors during this time and practice social distancing. The country has also stopped issuing on-arrival visas and begun repatriation flights for locals stuck abroad.

Last night’s news conference saw Mabrouq say that the country cannot remain closed and has to return back to normal life. Mabrouq added that this may not mean the same normal life as before the situation with the virus.

“If we take a look at other countries, the time they have right now is being used by the public to prepare to return to normal. Meaning, to remain aware and avoid visiting locations congested with people,” said Mabrouq.

Mabrouq advised the public to refrain from touching items in shops unnecessarily and to choose online transactions or cashless transactions in a bid to limit contact with hard cash.

Preventive and safety measures inside the house must also be strengthened after this, according to Mabrouq who also called on businesses to find new innovative ways to further their businesses.

“Some other countries have taken full advantage of this. So, during this time we have, we should think like that and prepare for normal life, not just in our homes. During the time we have, when don’t have a community spread in the country, businesses should also explore new innovative ways to develop as well.” said Mabrouq.

Mabrouq stressed on the importance of utilizing the time the country has to change how normal life is conducted in the country.