In a bid to strengthen Covid-19 restrictions nationwide, authorities have announced a curfew across five islands of the Maldives.

In a directive signed by the Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru late Thursday, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) detailed that the curfew will be enforced across the five islands in response to a spike in Covid-19 cases being reported in the islands.

As such, the curfew will take effect between 4pm and 4am every day from Friday, across Naifaru island in Lhaviyani atoll, Maafushi island in Kaafu atoll, Eydhafushi island in Baa atoll and Mathiveri and Ukulhas islands in Alif Alif atoll.

Under the new measure the island residents will be banned from going outside during the curfew hours. Further, HPA has also disallowed island residents from conducting household visits as well as attending events and parties until further notice.

In an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 authorities have also shut down gyms, salons and schools alongside restricting gatherings of more than three individuals in public spaces. Dine-in services at cafés restaurants and other food outlets have also been banned.

This comes at a time the public health authority has begun enforcing a seven-hour curfew in the Maldives capital, Malé City as well. The curfew from 9pm to 4am was provoked by surging daily infections across the capital region.

Other measures implemented include a ban on parties, functions and ceremonies, restrictions on house hold visits unless for essential purposes, ban on sports activities and group exercises. Further, the new guidelines mandate shops and taxis to follow HPA instructions in providing services to the public as well.

Daily infections being reported of recent has been the highest ever since the pandemic surfaced in the island nation on 7 March 2020. Cases have risen well above 700 over the past two days and over 200 patients are currently seeking treatment for the deadly infection, from hospitals.