The council of Dhiffushi island in Kaafu atoll has revealed that they have been heavily affected by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry.

The island council’s President, Ibrahim Azim expressed his belief that the economic growth of the country has immensely slowed due to the impacts of the pandemic on tourism.

While the island communities are heavily dependent on the tourism and fisheries sector in order to bring food to their table, the tourism industry was hit hard by the pandemic even before the pandemic made an appearance in the Maldives.

Similarly, Azim revealed that the island community’s livelihood was heavily dependent on income acquired through the tourism industry.

He further revealed that the island has been facing hindrances due to the tourism industry being at a standstill, consecutively leading to the guesthouse owners letting go of their lease agreements.

In addition, Azim revealed that the island currently has an adequate stock of face masks and safety gloves and other essential equipment.

The council is also prepared for a situation in which a Covid-19 case surfaces in the island.

Delivery arrangements have also been made for local shops on the island.

Further, the island council has implemented several measures in order to curb a community transmission, including closely monitoring the expatriate community residing in the island. Highlighting that most of them are undocumented, Azim stated that a registry has been compiled.