Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed COVID-19 cases have been detected from 10 islands outside the capital, Male' City, since travel restrictions were lifted.
HPA stated COVID-19 cases have been reported from Kelaa and Ihavandhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Eydhafushi, Kamadhoo and Seaside Finolhu in Baa Atoll, Inguraidhoo in Raa Atoll, Hinnavaru and Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani Atoll, Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll and Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll. HPA revealed the islands have reported COVID-19 cases since travel restrictions between the islands were lifted, adding most of the individuals who tested positive from the islands had been undergoing home quarantine after travelling to the islands from Male'.
Kelaa has presented the highest number of cases from islands besides Male', with 10 cases reported from the island. The first person to test positive for COVID-19 from Kelaa was the captain of a boat that travelled to the island from Male'. The other nine people to test positive from the island had travelled in the same boat.
In addition to Kelaa, the boat had also travelled to some other islands in Haa Alifu Atoll and Haa Dhaalu Atoll. As such, Dhidhoo and Vashafaru in Haa Alifu Atoll and Nolhivaranfaru in Haa Dhaalu Atoll has been placed under monitoring by the HPA. However, no cases have been reported from these islands yet.
Meanwhile, the individual who tested positive for COVID-19 from Ihavandhoo is a cashier of a boat that travelled to the island from Male'. He was tested for COVID-19 upon developing symptoms, with the positive result being confirmed on July 31.
Furthermore, the individuals who tested positive from Inguraidhoo, Kamadhoo, Eydhafushi and Kurendhoo were expatriate workers who had been undergoing home quarantine after travelling from Male'. Seaside Finolhu was placed under monitoring after five expatriates working at the resort tested positive for COVID-19. They are undergoing treatment at the COVID-19 facility established in Eydhafushi.
Individuals who tested positive from Hinnavaru, Maafushi and Fulidhoo are locals who had travelled to the islands from Male'. They had all been undergoing home quarantine when they tested positive for COVID-19.
HPA guidelines mandate a home quarantine period of 14 days for all individuals travelling to islands from Male'. Individuals undergoing home quarantine are not permitted to go outside or meet people during the 14-day period. HPA has warned action will be taken against those violating the guidelines.