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Only 9 islands currently under HPA monitoring

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed only 9 islands are currently under monitoring due to COVID-19 cases.

The latest statistics of HPA revealed the islands under monitoring have decreased significantly due to the decrease in COVID-19 cases across the country. In this regard, HPA revealed only 9 islands are currently under monitoring, all in different atolls.

Islands currently under monitoring include Dhuvaafaru in Raa Atoll, Kaasidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Kolhufushi in Meemu Atoll, Feevah in Shaviyani Atoll, Thakandhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll, Himandhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll and Hirilandhoo in Thaa Atoll. Among these islands, Dhuvaafaru has been under monitoring for the longest, having been placed under monitoring on May 25.

During the peak of the COVID-19 surge in the country in May, there were over 70 islands across the atolls under monitoring. Curfew and movement restrictions were imposed in several islands and atolls due to the large number of COVID-19 cases. The situation began improving in June, leading to relaxation of most restrictions over the last two months.

HPA stated islands are placed under monitoring when a possible community spread situation is identified, with a random sample testing positive for COVID-19. HPA said such islands are removed from monitoring if random samples tested in the 14 days immediately after the first positive sample, test negative.