Dhuvaafaru island in Raa atoll has been placed under monitoring, after three people released from home quarantine tested positive for Covid-19.

The island council was informed of the monitoring status on Saturday night, with travel to and from the island to be only allowed with the authorization from the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The three individuals traveled to Dhuvaafaru from capital Malé City on June 19. They were released after completing the 14-day quarantine period and testing negative for Covid-19, a few days ago.

However, they have since tested positive for Covid-19.

Authorities have since placed their home under monitoring, and have begun the contact tracing process.

While Maldives’ first Covud-19 cases were confirmed from a resort on March 7, a community spread was confirmed in the capital Malé City on April 15.

The entire region was placed under lockdown with travel to and from the city prohibited. Authorities began lockdown easing on May 29, and the country entered the third phase of the ease plan on July 1 which permits travel between inhabited islands and the capital. However, those traveling from Malé are required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine.

There has since been a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country, with health officials warning that Covid-19 restrictive measures could be re-introduced.