A large COVID-19 cluster has been identified in Hithadhoo island of southernmost Addu City.
Addu City's Mayor, Ali Nizar said the cluster was identified among migrant workers in Hithadhoo. 83 people have tested positive for the virus from the same cluster and include some locals.
"Seven people tested positive yesterday [Wednesday] and 15 cases were identified the day before that. 18 people tested positive earlier on Monday. As a lot of foreigners are testing positive, we are working on relocating them from Hithadhoo to 'Dhoogas' facility in Gan island," Nizar said.
The mayor further said the spread of the virus is controlled in all other islands of the city except Hithadhoo.
Several strict measures similar to those implemented in Male' City are in effect in Hithadhoo City to curb the spread of the virus. In this regard, a curfew is in place from 4:00 pm until 04:00 am, and a special permit issued by the police is required to be outside during other hours.
Addu City was placed under the Health Protection Agency (HPA)'s monitoring status on May 1. 389 positive cases have been identified from Addu City thus far. The mayor said a date on which monitoring mechanisms can be lifted from the city remains unknown.
