President updates media on Covid-19 situation, announces extension of restrictive measures for one week

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had announced that the current restrictive measures in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 would be extended for another week. Speaking to reporters at a press conference broadcast live this afternoon from the President's Office, President Solih noted that the preventative measures enforced on May 26 had visibly helped bring down case numbers, but the nation had not yet reached a new normal. He stated that the restrictive measures currently in place will be extended for an additional week to ensure that Covid-19 cases continue to abate. At the end of this extension, the measures and results would be reviewed to determine whether or not to ease the restrictive measures or extend further.

The President also spoke regarding the inquiry into the death of Fathmath Mishka Ibrahim who tragically passed away last week from Covid-19. President Solih apprised the media of the conscientious review into the case and stated that several systematic faults had been identified. He also apprised them of the changes made to the existing emergency response mechanisms following the inquiry, including a protocol to have 7 ambulances with paramedics on call at all times.

President Solih reiterated that ensuring everyone is vaccinated remains the top priority of the government. He disclosed the latest updates on efforts to acquire more vaccines, including 500,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, produced in Singapore, due to arrive in July. Further, the government had signed a non-disclosure agreement with Russia to acquire 200,000 doses of the Sputnik vaccine and the doses would arrive within 4 weeks of signing the supply agreement. The Maldives was also listed among the first countries to receive vaccine aid from the United States of America, which he stated may arrive within the month.

Prior to taking questions from reporters, President Solih also disclosed that following discussions with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Higher Education, repayment of all students loans would be deferred to the end of the year. He also congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid, on his successful election as president of the 76th UNGA with an overwhelming majority of the votes.