Maldives president commends military, police role in COVID-19 fight

MALE - Officers of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) have been instrumental in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was quoted as saying in local media on Tuesday.

"The engagements of the military officers have been extraordinary and are a testament of their commitment to national service," a press release by the President's Office said.

In an event held to acknowledge the role of the MNDF in the fight against COVID-19, Solih praised MNDF officers for their dedication in performing duties to the country and people, despite the threats to their life during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Solih also praised the Maldives Police Service (MPS) for their hard work during a two-month lockdown in the Greater Male' Region enforced on April 15.

The government will work on progressive reforms including legislative and policy changes while expanding resources and training opportunities for the police, the president said.

Maldives currently has 2,491 confirmed cases of COVID-19, out of which 2,113 have fully recovered and 12 have died, according to data from the Health Protection Agency.