With the increase of daily COVID-19 cases in Greater Male’, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has banned gatherings of more than 50 persons at once as a preventative measure.
The new coronavirus variant Omicron, which is causing havoc throughout the world, has also resulted in a considerable increase in daily cases in the Maldives. In an effort to contain the outbreak, the HPA tightened COVID-19 restrictions yesterday.
According to a statement issued by the HPA, gatherings of more than 50 persons at events and ceremonies in Greater Male will be prohibited until further notice.
Events and gatherings with less than 50 participants must still follow COVID-19 guidelines and take preventative measures, the HPA said.
Other precautionary measures announced by the HPA in Greater Male’ include a halt to the night market and a restriction on spectator admission to sporting events.
In addition, anyone leaving the Greater Male’ region will be required to take a PCR test, the HPA said yesterday.
According to the HPA statement, people who received a second dosage more than 14 days ago will be obliged to undertake a PCR test 72 hours before travel.
Furthermore, individuals who have not finished a single dosage will be subjected to a 14-day quarantine period, with release permitted following a negative PCR result after the fourteenth day, according to the HPA.
The restrictions, however, will not apply to children who are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, the HPA added.