The public health authorities have lifted monitoring measures implemented in Fuvahmulah City.

Covid-19 restrictions were introduced across the southern city on February 12 following the confirmation of a Covid-19 community transmission in the city. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed a community transmission in the city at the end of January following which the city was placed under monitoring with restrictions being placed to curb the spread of Covid-19 across the city.

Restrictions in place were extended twice round and the last extension was on February 26, for a seven-day period. Monitoring measures were lifted after considering the situation in the city, on Tuesday.

Some of the measures set forth include an eight-hour curfew from 8pm to 4pm as well as a ban on vehicle movement and hosting gatherings and events. Fuvahmulah residents were also banned from conducting household visits under the set guidelines, with schools, salons and gyms being shut down as well. Social gatherings of more than three individuals were disallowed in the southern city and all sports activities and events were also discontinued.

While services at food outlets such as cafés, restaurants and tea shops were also halted, delivery services were being allowed.

Spokesperson at the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC), Dr. Nazla Rafeeq confirmed the matter, stating that health authorities active in the city had collected a total of 1,406 samples for Covid-19 testing following the confirmation of the coronavirus outbreak, on February 9.

The monitoring measures were lifted as no new cases have been confirmed from the over 1,400 samples and as the most recent positive cases were identified from contacts of the first few cases.

Fuvahmulah City currently has 10 active coronavirus infections and about 42 individuals in quarantine.

Despite the ease in measures enforced, active surveillance is currently ongoing in the city.

With this development, there are currently two islands under monitoring across Maldives; Baarah island in Haa Alif atoll and southernmost Addu City.

The total number of coronavirus infections detected in Baarah island has reached 31, with one infection being detected on March 7 and five additional infections being discovered the next day.