The Maldives government has extended the lockdown imposed on capital Male' area for a period of 14 days.
A 24-hour lockdown was first announced on Wednesday after the detection of the first case of local transmission of COVID-19 in a residential area. The patient had no recent travel history, and had no direct links with any positive patients. The individual had over 200 direct contacts over a span of five days, out of which two have already tested positive, including her own baby daughter. Four people have been infected through the second person who tested positive, and the total number of people who have the virus in Male' region have now reached 7.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Friday said the lockdown imposed on Male', Hulhumale', Villimale and Thilafushi has been extended for an additional two weeks. During this time, movement in and out of the islands will be restricted and no persons will be allowed on the streets. Public transport will also be suspended.
Although Male' city is on a lockdown, a large number of people ventured out of their homes after delivery services of essential items were delayed. The police had not taken action against any persons who violated the lockdown and stepped out of their homes. Male' City Council has stated that the issues with shop deliveries have now been resolved.
