In lieu of an alarming spike in Covid-19 cases being discovered of recent, authorities have introduced restrictions on travel within residential islands.
In a directive signed by the Director General of Public Health, Maimoona Aboobakuru, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that the ban on non-essential travel in outlying atolls will be banned from 4 May, for a period of one week.
Only those seeking healthcare services and essential needs will be allowed to travel within residential islands starting Tuesday.
With the restriction set to take place on Tuesday, local councils have been instructed to provide access to essentials as well as food supply for island communities.
Residents may travel within the Greater Malé Region and to other islands from the capital, however they will be required to undergo the mandatory 10-day quarantine period.
Over the past week, the country has been observing alarming spikes in Covid-19 infections being reported nationwide, with the caseload across outlying atolls increasing as well. Daily cases soared above 500 on Sunday alone, making it the highest daily spike in cases to have been observed since 7 March 2020.
By sundown on Sunday, 25 islands remained under monitoring including Naifaru island in Lhaviyani atoll, Maamigili island in Alif Dhaal atoll, Veymandoo island in Thaa atoll, Madifushi island in Thaa atoll, Bodufolhudhoo island in Alif Alif atoll, Eydhafushi island in Baa atoll, Hinmafushi island in Kaafu atoll, Gulhi island in Kaafu atoll, Maafushi island in Kaafu atoll, Mathiveri island in Alif Alif atoll, Maandhoo island in Laamu atoll, Gan island in Laamu atoll, Fonadhoo island in Laamu atoll, Thinadhoo island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Ukulhas island in Alif Alif atoll, Thulusdhoo island in Kaafu atoll, Dhanbidhoo island in Laamu atoll, Rasdhoo island in Alif Alif atoll, Kolhufushi island in Meemu atoll, southernmost Addu City, Dhangethi island in Alif Dhaal atoll, Dhidhdhoo island in Haa Dhaal atoll, Feeali island in Faafu atoll, Kulhudhuffushi island in Haa Dhaal atoll and Himandhoo island in Alif Alif atoll.
