The measures imposed across the Maldives capital Male' region in a bid to control the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country, have been extended for another week.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the announcement via a press conference on Tuesday evening.

As such the president noted that the curfew hours will remain effective from 4pm – 8am and permits are required to go out, outside of curfew hours for another week.

Solih went on to note that the measures will be extended further, should the need arise.

The measures were enforced on May 26, initially for a two-week period.

Under the measures, residents will not be allowed to go out, outside of curfew hours unless under a residential permit, two of which are granted to each household. The residential permits will be void during curfew hours.

With the strengthened measures, Malé City and its suburban extension Villimalé is classified as a single zone and Hulhumalé is a separate zone. Permits may only be used accordingly. As such, Malé zone residents will not be allowed to travel to Hulhumalé and residents of the latter will not be permitted to visit Malé.

Delivery services under the strengthened measures will be allowed from 6am to 12am and establishments cannot use the delivery passes issued earlier. Action will be taken against individuals who visit shops during curfew hours as well.

Since 8 May, daily virus cases had been reported above 1,000 almost every day and authorities had also been raising concerns over the surge in deaths linked to coronavirus. 88 Covid-19 fatalities were reported during May alone. Since the enactment of measures, cases have been declining gradually.