A lockdown has been imposed across southernmost Addu City for a 14-day period.

This was revealed by the city's Mayor, Abdulla Sodiq during an online press briefing on Saturday afternoon.

The lockdown was imposed in accordance with the orders issued by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), said the Mayor.

As such, Sodiq revealed the lockdown was imposed following the detection of the first Covid-19 case in the southernmost city. The patient is a heart patient and was tested positive upon being taken to capital city Malé for treatment for deteriorating health.

Sodiq further revealed that residents will not be allowed to step outside their homes or go out to purchase items from shops as of Saturday.

The HPA-ordered lockdown comes at a time the southernmost city has been taking several measures in order to contain and control the spread of the pandemic in the city. As such, restaurants and cafés were closed for dining in and only allowed to operate delivery services.

The city also banned gatherings and conducted disinfection procedures across the city.

The lockdown is in effect for a period of 14 days.