Due to the worsening Covid-19 outbreak across Dhidhdhoo island of Haa Alif atoll, a curfew has been imposed across the island.

According to the island council, the curfew will be effective for a period of seven hours, starting from 9pm to 4am.

The island community has been urged to refrain from going outdoors during the curfew period, with vehicle operations also being banned. Vehicles permitted to operate during the curfew period, are exempt from this guideline.

The island council has also decided to impose stricter measures in a bid to protect the islanders, including allowing restaurants and cafés in the island to remain open for dine-in until 9pm and continue delivery and takeaway service from 9pm to 12am.

Shops have also been instructed to provide services to a specific number of customers at once and close their outlets after 9pm.

However, shops are allowed to conduct delivery services from 9pm to 10pm.

Further, salons and barber shops are also prohibited from providing services after 9pm.

Other measures include disallowing students from attending tuition classes and other physical classes as well as halting physical classes overall, for students studying in grades below grade seven.

Vessels and boats docked in Dhidhdhoo island will also be allowed to depart from the island, only after attaining a special permit from the council, with parties, gatherings, events and sports activities also being temporarily banned.

Monitoring measures were enforced across the island by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in a bid to control the worsening Covid-19 outbreak across the island, on January 20.

A total of 472 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed across the island so far. Recoveries confirmed across the island rose to 362 by sundown on Sunday, leaving 109 active cases. The island has observed one Covid-19 fatality so far.