A disinfection programme is set to launch in the Maldives capital, Male' City and its suburb Hulhumale' as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday night, the governments Covid-19 spokesperson Mohamed Mabrook Aziz announced that a disinfection programme will launch on Monday in the capital city at 8am.

The disinfection programme in Male City will be a joint effort between Male City Council and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), said Mabrook, adding that Housing Development Corporation Ltd (HDC) will do the same in the capital's suburb of Hulhumale'.

This comes shortly after Mabrook revealed that close contacts of former Manchester United player Marouane Fellaini - who has tested positive for Covid-19 following his departure from Maldives - is likely to be in the Greater Male' Area.

Authorities urge all those who had been in contact with the footballer during his time in Maldives to notify 1676 immediately.