Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has urged caution in travelling across the atolls, as there are currently over 1,200 active cases of COVID-19 in the atolls.
Speaking at a press conference held on April 29, Abdulla Mauroof from HEOC noted there are currently 23 islands under monitoring in the atolls, where more than 1,200 active cases have been reported. He noted there are six islands with more than 100 cases, including Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll, Mathiveri in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Veymandoo in Thaa Atoll, Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll, Maandhoo in Laamu Atoll and Eydhafushi in Baa Atoll. He added some of the islands placed under monitoring have the regional or atoll hospitals, leading to difficulties for people in neighbouring islands to seek healthcare services.
Speaking further, Mauroof said caution is required when travelling in the atolls in order to control the spread of COVID-19, noting the situation in the atolls is now similar to that of the Greater Male’ Region. He urged those travelling across atolls and islands to minimize their contact bubble and to wear face masks at all times. He also urged the public to cooperate with the authorities during contact tracing by providing truthful information.
Speaking on allowing travel to islands where 60% of the population have received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Mauroof said permits to travel to such islands will be released automatically through the Haalubelun portal. He added individuals who have completed two weeks after receiving the second dose of the vaccine will also be permitted to travel to islands with a negative PCR test conducted 72 hours before departure, unless they are contacts of a positive case.