Monitoring measures have been enforced in Hanimaadhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll due to the worsening Covid-19 outbreak in the island.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) enforced monitoring measures in the island on Sunday morning.

The first case of Covid-19 was detected in Hanimaadhoo on December 6, after a resident visited the health center with flu symptoms and provided samples for testing on December 5.

Since then, the total number of coronavirus cases confirmed from the island has risen to 40, according to the island’s health center.

The first Covid-19 patient identified from the island is a worker at a café on the island.

Three others working at the café who were identified as close contacts, had tested positive.

Further, the “Adam Saleem Cup 2021” which was proceeding in the island has also been temporarily halted, after a player tested positive.

The case count hiked to 40 in the island within a week and the island’s health center has urged caution over the swift spread of the infection. With this, the island residents have been urged to support and cooperate with the Covid Task Force active on the island and to follow safety precautions set in place.

Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, 52 residences across the island have been placed under quarantine.