Health protection Agency (HPA) declared that a total of 17 islands are currently under monitoring due to Covid-19.

According to the information publicized by HPA, the 17 islands under quarantine are R. Dhuvaafaru, K. Kaashidhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, Aa. Himandhoo, ADh. Hanyaameedhoo, Ha. Ihavandhoo, Ga. Kanduhulhudhoo, M. Madduvvari, K. Gaafaru, Gn. Fuvahmulah, GDh. Gadhdhoo, GDh. Madaveli, Th. Veymandoo, L. Mundoo, Sh. Milandhoo and ADh. Mahibadhoo.

HPA informed that out of all islands placed under monitoring, the island that has been under monitoring for the longest period of time, is R. Dhuvaafaru and affirmed that a total of 13 islands were placed under monitoring in the month of August.

Islands are put under monitoring to assess how much the virus has spread and to conduct contact tracing. HPA has been closely watching over islands put under monitoring and has been releasing them from monitoring if the Covid-19 situation within the island is under control.

Although the number of positive cases in the Maldives are declining, in May, there was a spike in cases which resulted in a total of 17 islands being placed under monitoring. During what was known as the fourth wave of covid-19 in the Maldives, authorities had established various restrictions within the country, including placing many islands under monitoring and setting a curfew.

Many restrictions have been lifted after the decline in cases, especially in the capital city. This includes allowing those who are fully vaccinated to travel domestically without the need to quarantine with a negative PCR test result. However, if individuals wish to travel to islands placed under monitoring, they are required to be quarantined for a total of 14 days.