Nine islands were placed under Covid-19 monitoring during the ongoing month, according to the latest information by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

As such, AA. Himandhoo was placed under monitoring while measures were placed on Th. Hirilandhoo on August 9. Six islands were placed under monitoring on August 16; HDh. Makunudhoo, B. Eydhafushi, B. Kamadhoo, ADh Hangnaameedhoo, HDh. Nellaidhoo and HA. Ihavandhoo. Further, GDh. Thinadhoo was placed under monitoring on Tuesday, less than a month after previous measures were lifted after four months of monitoring.

With the nine additional islands, a total of 15 islands are currently under monitoring; the island that’s been under monitoring the longest is R. Dhuvaafaru; since May 25.

Measures were placed on the remaining five islands in July; K. Kaashidhoo on July 13, M. Kolhufushi and Sh. Feevah on July 29, HA. Thakandhoo on July 30 and Dh. Kudahuvadhoo on July 31.

Residential islands are placed under monitoring as soon as positive coronavirus case in confirmed, to trace their contacts in order to avoid a further spread. HPA has been closely monitoring these islands, lifting them from their state of emergency when the conditions are deemed safe enough.

While cases have declined compared to a few months ago, when a fourth wave was confirmed, there has recently been an increase in daily cases reported from islands.

The recent decline in cases led to eases in Covid-19 restrictions, including travel without quarantine between islands with negative PCR test results. However, this is only for islands that do not have any Covid-19 monitoring measures in place.