The Maldives is likely to get its first batch of Covaxin by the month-end. Reports in local media say that country would get around 200,000 doses in the first phase. The government plans to vaccinate 20 percent of the population in the first phase.

Rajje TV reported the country will receive its first batch this month, and the frontline workers will be vaccinated in the first go. Earlier, Maldives President Mohammad Solih announced free vaccination of all Maldivians.

Health Minister Ahmad Naseem had discussed the vaccine procurement with the World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 December last year. The Maldives will receive around 400,000 vaccines in this phase. However, due to the shortage of cold storage facilities, it will receive it in a phased manner.

Moreover, the government also has a plan to sign an agreement with Singapore based Astra-Zeneca to procure the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the high global demand for the COVID-19 vaccines, the government will suspend some of the provisions of the Public Finance Regulations. The government, however, maintained they will keep an eye on spending.

So far, the Maldives has managed to keep the spread of the virus in check. But in the last few days, the country saw a modest increase in the infection. Over the last two months, the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC)- the leading authority to manage the COVID-19 crisis warned people for violating mask regulations in public.