Health Protection Agency (HPA) has re-imposed the curfew in the Greater Male’ Region and strengthened the measures implemented against the spread of COVID-19.
In a circular signed by Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru, HPA announced measures are being renewed following the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the Maldives this month. As such, HPA stated a curfew will be imposed in Male’, Hulhumale’ and Villimale’ from 12:00 a.m. to 04:00 a.m everyday starting from January 27. HPA said exceptions will be provided for healthcare workers, security forces, individuals with a special permit from the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC), individuals going to mosques for Fajr prayers and individuals who require emergency medical services.
HPA further announced all individuals travelling from the Male’ Region to other islands as well as all individuals arriving from abroad, except for tourists, are required to undergo quarantine for 10 days. HPA has also banned parties, ceremonies and special gatherings in the Male’ Region, effective from January 27.
HPA stated the measures will be enforced and monitored by Maldives Police Service (MPS) and relevant authorities. HPA called for public support and cooperation to the measures in order to bring down the COVID-19 numbers.
Restrictions have been tightened in the Maldives once again after COVID-19 cases began to increase sharply this month. After spending a week with the daily number of cases above 50, more than 100 cases have been reported on each of the last four days.