Health officials have instructed the public to wear masks when conducting essential activities outside their homes.
The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) on Tuesday said although the authority had previously deemed using masks in public as unnecessary, it is now important to wear masks as local transmission of COVID-19 has been identified within Malr' city.
"We have been telling the public it is not necessary to wear masks. At that time, no local transmission had been detected. The most important measure to contain the spread of the virus is to stay home. If you absolutely have to go out, it is extremely important to use a mask," said Dr. Ali Latheef during Monday night's NOEC press conference.
Male' city is currently on a 14-day lockdown. 62 cases have been identified in residential areas. The total number of positive cases registered in the Maldives is now 82.
