A 12-hour curfew has been imposed across islands under monitoring.

A directive signed by the Director General of Public Health, Maimoona Aboobakuru, was released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) announcing that the measure will be effective across southernmost Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Gan island in Laamu atoll, Thinadhoo island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Dhaandhoo island in Gaaf Alif atoll, Maamigili island in Alif Dhaal atoll, Nilandhoo island in Faafu atoll and Feeali island in Faafu atoll.

The curfew hours for these eight islands will be effective from 4pm to 4am.

HPA revealed that shops and restaurants in said islands will be allowed to make deliveries under a special permit to be sought from the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

Officers of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), police, healthcare workers and their vehicles as well as ambulances and those holding permits from their respective islands’ taskforces will be exempt from this measure.

This comes at a time measures against Covid-19 across the nation have been strengthened due to spiking cases in recent weeks. Starting Wednesday, a vehicle ban measure as well as curfew will be in effect across all residential islands where monitoring measures have been placed. As such, the curfew will be effective from 9pm to 4am.

The precautionary measures will remain effective until further notice.

During this time, islands residents will be banned from visiting residences, hosting parties, events or other such gatherings. Groups of three will be allowed in public spaces and salons as well as gyms have also been closed off to the public alongside schools and sports activities.

Takeaway and delivery services at cafés and restaurants will be allowed in these islands during the period, however, dine-in services have been banned.

Currently, there are 74 islands under monitoring.