COVID-19: 29 residential islands under monitoring

Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has announced 29 residential islands outside the Maldivian capital are under monitoring due to COVID-19 cases.

According to the information released by HEOC, N. Velidhoo and Sh. Funadhoo were placed under monitoring on Friday. Velidhoo was placed under monitoring after 16 tourists tested positive, and Funadhoo was placed under monitoring after travelers to the island tested positive.

Authorities have strengthened restrictions due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the capital and beyond. A curfew is in effect in the greater Male’ region from 09:00 pm to 04:00 am, and the mandatory quarantine period, except for travelers from Male’ to other islands and for inbound tourists, has been increased from 10 to 14 days.

Schools, colleges and universities have been closed for face-to-face classes, government offices and private offices have been ordered to have employees work from home, and gyms, salons, sports arenas and parks have been closed, and sporting events have been banned.

Curfews, along with additional restrictions, are also in effect in seven more residential islands and cities; Fuvahmulah City, Addu City, Lh. Naifaru, B. Eydhafushi, K. Maafushi, AA. Mathiveri, and AA. Rasdhoo.

Maldives has 34,134 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 766 new cases on Friday. 25,782 people have since recovered, while 83 have died from complications.

Maldives recorded its highest COVID-19 fatalities over the past two days.