COVID-19: Cabinet members self-isolate after contact

It has been announced that some cabinet members of the Maldivian government are in isolation following direct contact with positive cases of COVID-19.

Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, speaking in a press conference today, stated that everyone was working with the knowledge that they may have to go into quarantine during this dangerous situation. The government was operating in a manner that if an individual is isolated, another would take the place of that individual.

“There are some ministers in isolation right now. They are waiting at home, unable to attend to work after the first direct contact.” Said the Minister who added that the cabinet was formed in a manner so that it does not “drop” collectively.

Currently, Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, Home Minister Imran Abdulla, and Health Minister Abdulla Ameen as well as Planning and Infrastructure Minister Ahmed Aslam are working at the National Emergency Operations Center and overseeing the operations. The Center is the focal point of all activities related to stopping the spread of the virus in the country.

Minister Ali Waheed reminded that those in the front line had a high chance of being direct contact with a positive case.

“God willing, if we are not there, the next person would be. In addition to the cabinet, the President has arranged the government so that even we would be able to manage it during the worst situation.” Said Minister Ali Waheed.

Currently, Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof and Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail are in self-isolation. Minister Mahloof is in isolation after two employees of Ihsaan Fihaara tested positive for the virus. The Minister had been volunteering in the delivery operations of the shop.

Maldives has confirmed 220 cases of COVID-19 so far.