Kaashidhoo island of Kaafu atoll has been placed under monitoring status, with entry and exit from the island banned.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) announced via Twitter on Wednesday that Kaashidhoo island is under monitoring until further notice, as a direct contact of a confirmed Covid-19 patient had travelled to the island recently.

All unauthorized entry and exit from the island prohibited until monitoring status is lifted, says HPA.

HPA declared a 24-hour lockdown on capital city Male' earlier on Wednesday. This decision came after a Maldivian national residing in Male City (also in Kaafu atoll) tested positive for COVID-19 despite any travel history.

This is the first case of Covid-19 seen in Maldives' congested capital. All previously confirmed cases had been imported, with the exception of two cases of local transmission on Kuredhu Island Resort.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Maldives is currently 21. Three are undergoing treatment and 16 have recovered.