Curfew imposed in Vilingili; restrictions strengthened in Addu, Fuvahmulah, Gan

Maldives has decided to impose new restrictions in GA. Vilingili – including a curfew – following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

The restrictions were announced in a directive signed by Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakr which was released by Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Wednesday night.

According to the directive, a curfew will be in effect in Vilingili from 18:00-04:00 hours starting from this Thursday, May 20 to May 26.

The new restrictions:

• Curfew between 18:00-04:00 hours
• Closure of colleges and universities to face-to-face classes
• Ban on parties, functions and ceremonies
• Ban on house visits (visits to access essential needs such as healthcare are exempt)
• Ban on public gatherings in crowds of more than three people
• Closure of gyms, salons and barber’s shops
• Ban on sports and exercise activities
• Shops and taxis are required to follow HPA’s guidelines in providing services
• Suspension of services at cafes, restaurants and teashops with the exception of takeaway and delivery services

RESTRICTIONS STRENGTHENED IN ADDU, FUVAHMULAH AND GAN

Meanwhile, the Director General of Public Health has also ordered for the strengthening of restrictions in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City and L. Gan.

This includes expanding curfew hours to 16:00-04:00 hours, and ban on travel between different districts.

Meanwhile, colleges and universities are to remain close, along with gyms, salons and barber’s shops. Parties, house visits, public gatherings in crowds of more than three people and sporting activities remain banned.

Maldives has been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections and fatalities in recent weeks.

Maldives has 48,608 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,187 new cases recorded on Wednesday. 29,644 patients have since recovered, while 112 have died from complications.

The country currently has 18,843 active cases. 274 of the patients are hospitalized.