Addu City, Maldives – A cluster with over 17 confirmed cases has been identified in Hithadhoo, Addu City.
According to sources, a foreigner had tested positive after a random sample was taken and additional 16 people who were his contacts were later found to be positive for Covid-19.
This cluster comes while Addu City had reported few cases these past couple of days with only three cases being found yesterday with two were from random samples and one case from the flu clinic in Hithadhoo.
The new cluster has been identified while Mayor of Addu Ali Nizar revealed that the city council had decided to provide easements to the Covid-19 restrictions during a press conference held last night.
AEOC had told that construction work can continue until 18:00, but workers are only allowed to leave the site during curfew hours in a vehicle permitted by the construction company or with another permit from the authorities.
Mayor Nizar had told that the changes were made to the restrictions for struggling small businesses and will continue to provide more easements in accordance with the situation. He added the current situation still does not allow people to go out in public.
He also revealed that residents can use ferry services to travel between the connected islands twice a week for essential tasks during last nights press conference.
Following discussions of the newly sworn in city council, Health Protection Agency (HPA) had extended the curfew imposed in the city from 1600hrs till 0400hrs for an additional week from June 12, 2021, onwards.
During curfew times, going out in public and the operation of any vehicles on the road is prohibited.
Further restrictions imposed stated that going out in groups of more than three was not allowed under the new guidelines and when out, masks are always mandatory in the region.
In addition to these, dine-ins and operations of roadside food stalls, gyms and hair saloons has also been suspended, with only delivery allowed for restaurants and cafés.
However, shops will be open as per the Health Protection Agency (HPA) guidelines during curfew times and only take away services from restaurants to be provided before curfew times.
