The Covid-19 task force in Kulhudhuffushi City has announced the decision to extend the lockdown period declared across the city on April 21.

The extension is for seven days and is set to end at 12pm, May 1.

It comes under the orders of Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru, amid fears of a possible community spread and was initially imposed on April 21, to expire at 12pm, Friday.

The City Council revealed that the lockdown comes under orders of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) following the risk of the disease spreading among the community and in light of the current situation in the city.

The task force earlier revealed that fines will be imposed on violators of the city lockdown.

Under the lockdown, city residents are banned from leaving their households and will be fined between MVR 500 – 5,000 for doing so.

During this time, the residents have been urged to cooperate with authorities in their efforts to control and contain the spread of the disease, follow the instructions set by relevant authorities and do their part for the community.

Authorities earlier banned travel between all inhabited islands and declared a lockdown across the Greater Malé Region on 15 April, which is to remain until 30 April.