The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has confirmed that the Addu City Covid-19 cluster has grown to encompass 19 cases from Hithadhoo and 25 cases from Hulhumeedhoo.

This increases the city’s total tally by 44 with over a 100 others having been identified as contacts.

Two persons had first tested positive for Covid-19 from Hithadhoo on 5 February, with two others who came into contact with them also testing positive for the infection the next day. An additional contact of these two cases, who was in GDh. Thinadhoo, also had their sample test positive for Covid-19 on 7 February.

While cases have since bene discovered from the island of Thinadhoo, health authorities have initiated random sampling efforts on the island. As of now, three people from Thinadhoo have tested positive for Covid-19, with the most recent active case confirmed through random sampling on 7 February 2021.

The HEOC has asked the citizens of Addu to practice extra caution in adhering to health and safety regulations as the islands of Addu are interconnected. Those that are exhibiting flu like symptoms, and those who have come into contact with positive cases, are advised to reach out to authorities through the hotlines currently active for Addu.

Addu and Thinadhoo are both under monitoring following the positive cases of Covid-19 discovered in Addu City. The Addu Times reports that the city's mayor, Abdulla Sadiq, has made the decision to impose a curfew in Addu, details of which are to be announced later today.

The curfew aims to reduce movement between the interconnected islands of Addu City, with operations of dine-in establishments and other such places selling food and beverages to be ceased. Deliveries are expected to be on-going for restaurants and cafe's, and shops will be open in accordance to health and safety guidelines as put forth by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).