Following the confirmation of Covid-19 cases, two more islands have been placed under monitoring.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) implemented monitoring measures in Hulhudhuffaaru and Maduvvari islands in Raa atoll.
The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) revealed that the Covid-19 patient from Hulhudhuffaaru island had travelled to Ungoofaaru island in the same atoll on March 4.
Maduvvari Health Center revealed that they will be carrying out general consultations during the state of monitoring virtually and that island residents may contact the health center through 7214669/6580394 for consultations and bookings.
Earlier, Naifaru island in Lhaviyani atoll was also placed under monitoring in connection to the Ungoofaaru community spread. Covid-19 was detected in Naifaru after an employee at the atoll hospital working closely with patients, tested positive for the infection, the case is linked to the Covid-19 cluster discovered in Ungoofaaru. The Covid-19 patient is to have travelled to Ungoofaaru on March 2 and tested positive through a random sample collected upon return to Naifaru island.
Necessary measures are currently being implemented as contact tracing proceeds in all three islands.
As per protocol, island residents will not be permitted to travel elsewhere or leave the islands without authorization, nor will anyone be allowed to enter the island, once monitoring measures are in effect and until further notice.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) had urged those who travelled to Ungoofaaru island after March 2, to report to the hospitals and health centers in their respective islands as soon as possible. Those who have travelled to the capital city from Ungoofaaru have also been urged to visit the flu clinics in the Greater Malé Region.
Monitoring mechanisms were implemented in Ungoofaaru on March 19 and this is the second time the island has been placed under monitoring. A Covid-19 case was confirmed through a random sampling during October 2020 as well.
Recently, there has been a spike in Covid-19 infections being reported across outlying atolls, as the country goes through an overwhelming third Covid-19 peak, which, to authorities’ best efforts, is yet to subdue. A number of measures are being implemented to help curb the spread of the virus including a nearly six-hour curfew in the epicenter Malé City and vehicle movement restrictions.
