Health Protection Agency (HPA) has ordered local councils to impose measures in island communities in order to prevent gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
HPA stated as part of the control measures imposed across the nation to contain the spread of COVID-19, local councils have been instructed to ensure the measures are implemented in island communities, by preventing all sorts of gatherings. HPA ordered the councils to ensure social and physical distancing is practiced in the island communities.
Furthermore, HPA has tasked councils with handing over the isolation and release orders for individuals placed under isolation in an area within the jurisdiction of the council. HPA stated councils are mandated to follow the instructions of the authorities under the Public Health Protection Act.
Following the detection of a COVID-19 case in Uligan, Haa Alifu Atoll, several island councils have strengthened measures against a potential spread of the disease. Meanwhile, all individuals who travelled from the Greater Male' region to an island have been ordered to isolate themselves for 14 days. Travelling between islands has been banned, while prayer congregations have also been banned across the nation.