Virus restrictions rolled back in islands, advised safety measures

Restrictive measures on islands across the country, apart from Male’ City, due to COVID-19 have been relaxed.

The easements were provided under strict instructions by the authorities to maintain social distancing measures.

A travel ban was imposed in mid-April after a community case of COVID-19 was identified in the capital. This meant that non-essential travel between islands was halted in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus. However, apart from Male’ City, cases have been identified in a handful of islands.

The order issued by the HPA regarding the easements, require citizens to maintain social distancing in islands at all times. 

Travels to obtain essential and medical services are now allowed, but have to be monitored and supervised by Councils and relevant authorities.

Community activities, economic activities as well as the movement of people on the island are allowed for islands not under monitoring mechanisms for at least 14 days. However, safety and preventive measures are still to be taken in these islands as well.

Citizens are also to adhere to the instructions of relevant authorities issuing instructions under the mandated responsibilities.

Previously, mosques, collective prayers, and sports activities were suspended in all islands. Easements to these measures have also been provided.

Collective prayers are still suspended in the following islands.

• H.A. Thakandhoo
• Sh. Narudhoo
• Sh. Milandhoo
• N. Manadhoo
• K. Hinmafushi
• K. Thulusdhoo
• Male’ City

All of these islands have reported positive cases of the virus. More than 1400 cases have been confirmed in Male’ City. Narudhoo has reported 11 cases of the virus while Manadhoo has confirmed 10 cases of the virus.