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 7.

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, April 24.

It was extended a second time round for seven days, set to end at 12pm, May 1.

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. As such, some cases have been emerging from northern islands of recent.

Further, a statement by the council revealed that residents will be allowed to go out for essential needs without a permit from 6am to 03:30pm. Residents are required to acquire a permit to go out throughout the remainder of the day.

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 April 15, which was to remain until 30 April but the government has extended it to another 14 days, set to expire on May 14.

Last week, the government also lifted the monitoring measures placed on the city.