Addu bans travel between districts over virus fears

Local authorities implemented additional safety measures in Addu City on Sunday, a day after the southern city was placed under monitoring to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Addu City Council said that following the decision by Health Protection Agency (HPA) to place the city under monitoring, they have imposed a ban on house visits and a ban on travel between the districts of the city.

Offices in Addu have also been instructed to provide public services online, and parties, functions and iftars with a large number of people have also been banned.

Sports activities have been banned, and taxis, gyms and salons have been instructed to provide services in accordance with HPA guidelines.

Prayer-goers have been instructed to perform their wudu at home before going to mosques, and taking their own prayer mats.

Addu City was placed under monitoring last Saturday, after an individual who consulted with a doctor in Feydhoo district tested positive for COVID-19.

Maldives has experienced a surge in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks – both in the capital and in residential islands outside the capital. 402 new cases were recorded on Saturday, following 465 new cases were recorded on Friday – the highest single-day spike the country has recorded to date.