23 islands under monitoring as Covid-19 outbreak worsens in atolls

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed that 23 islands are currently under monitoring due to risks of widespread Covid-19.

According to HPA statistics, the islands in which monitoring measures have been enforced for the longest period of time are districts in Addu City; Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Feydhoo.

These districts of the southernmost city were brought under monitoring on August 28.

Further, the Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH) has also cautioned residents over the increase of conjunctivitis, dengue and viral fever in the southernmost city.

Statistics go on to indicate that S. Hulhumeedhoo and F. Nilandhoo were brought under monitoring during September.

Monitoring measures were enforced in 13 islands during October alone, with four islands placed under monitoring so far in November.

Islands are placed under monitoring to evaluate the risk of Covid-19 transmission and to conduct contact tracing.

The public health authority has revealed that they will continue to closely monitor the status of islands placed under monitoring and that measures will be revoked in islands where the Covid-19 situation improves.

Following the improvement of the coronavirus situation in the Greater Malé Region, a number of measures were eased in July. With these eases, those who have completed both doses of the vaccination are allowed to travel domestically as well.

However, recent weeks have seen spiraling Covid-19 cases across outlying atolls.