Delivery poses risk of virus spread, advised to take measures

National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has warned that the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives was most imminent through the delivery system of essential goods and supplies to households.

The capital has already confirmed the majority of the cases in the country and has been in a state of lockdown and curfew since the identification of the first case on April 15, 2020.

This has left the majority of the massive population dependent on deliveries from shops, something the government has also encouraged.

Speaking in a press conference, NEOC medical officer, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal stated that only essential workers would be on the streets right now and advised these workers to also practice social distancing and wear masks when outdoors. He expressly stressed on delivery workers to take on these safety measures.

“The transportation of goods or the delivery system poses the biggest risk of the spread of the virus in Male’ City right now.” Said Dr. Afzal.

He stressed the importance of such workers taking the appropriate safety measures and stated that some complaints were received regarding workers not taking such precautions.

The doctor advised that anyone symptomatic for the virus should not be outdoors at all.

“From some cases, recently identified, we have seen that people have attended work even after symptoms began to show.” Said the doctor.