Maldives’ state of public health emergency has been extended until August 7.

This was announced at the Covid-19 press briefing held at the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) on Tuesday night.

HEOC’s spokesperson, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said that Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has made the decision to extend the state of public health emergency to August 7, as the country is still at risk of a further Covid-19 spread.

The purpose of the public health emergency is to pave way for the required precautionary measures in order to ensure the safety of the people. The decision was reached upon the recommendations of the Director General of Public Health, Maimoona Aboobakuru.

A 30-day nationwide state of health emergency was declared on March 12, as per section 33 of the Public Health Act. The declaration of the public health emergency allows the director general of public health to take the necessary precautionary measures for the safety of the people.

While this is the fifth extension of the state of public health emergency, the country is currently in phase three of the lockdown ease plan.