National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has stated agricultural produce can be transported between islands in accordance with the guidelines of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said arrangements have been made to facilitate the sale of local agricultural produce from farmers to State Trading Organisation (STO) amid the lockdown. Mabrook also stated farmers can carry the items to different islands, although no person is allowed to disembark the vessel. He said movement of people from one island to another is prohibited, although food items can be carried to the harbours.
Farmers across the country have started agricultural production for the upcoming month of Ramadan. STO has established an Agri-Centre to buy the produce from farmers. The centre will be opened on May 1.
Meanwhile, Maldives Police Service (MPS) has announced entry and exit from the Greater Male' Region has been banned following the lockdown, except for vessels coming from resorts and other islands to seek food, water or other essential items. The vessels will be served at Male' North Harbour. No crew member is allowed to disembark the vessel during such trips.