''There is no magic bullet to stop virus''

National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) Medical Officer Dr. Nazla Rafeeq has said that the country was not in possession of a “magic bullet” to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking in a news conference last night, Dr. Nazla stated that there were no new measures that can be taken to stop the spread of the pandemic virus in the capital Male’ City, which has been under a lockdown and curfew order since April 15, 2020.

Within this week, the capital alone has confirmed 91 cases, while the total figure for the whole country currently stands at 110.

Dr. Nazla reiterated the importance of prevention for the virus which does not have a cure or vaccine of any type so far.

“There is no magic bullet to reduce the number of cases. No tricks that can be done to control the virus. We are doing all that we have to do. We are also advising the public to take steps as well.” Said Dr. Nazla, who is a leading figure at the NEOC.

What can be done to control the virus, was to isolate positive cases and reporting to Flu Clinics across the country in case of suspected cases, said Dr. Nazla who stressed the importance of not being around people even if the slightest symptom of the virus was visible.

“What we noticed from contact tracing is, that some people attend work despite symptoms. Only essential workers should be at work right now.  They should not, especially if they have symptoms, should not attend work.” Said Dr. Nazla.

Just how much the virus has spread in the capital can only be assessed after 14 days, said Dr. Nazla who cautioned people against going outdoors except for essential purposes.  

Overview of the measures implemented against the virus

• Travel restrictions on arrivals from nine countries
• Suspension of on-arrival visas into the country
• Closure of schools, colleges, and universities
• Closure of restaurants and cafés
• Suspension of collective prayers in the country
• The mandatory quarantine of all arrivals except tourists
• Releasing those in quarantine after they test negative for the virus
• 14-day lockdown and curfew in Male’ City
• Lockdown of the entire country, barring essential travel
• Ban of public gatherings in islands across the country

Despite these measures, the virus has still managed to find its way into the capital city. There are currently 46 Maldivians and 64 foreigners positive for the virus in the Maldives.