Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public not to conduct any gatherings, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the Maldives is once again on the rise.
HPA stated the COVID-19 cases have increased in the past week, while direct contacts of the cases have also increased significantly. HPA said it is the result of the increased number of parties, ceremonies and other social gatherings following the ease in lockdown restrictions. HPA urged the public to comply with its guidelines on returning to the new normal conditions, noting a gathering of more than 30 people in a public place is prohibited.
Following the ease in lockdown restrictions, several gatherings have been conducted in public places in the Greater Male' Region, including protests. Meanwhile, the number of ceremonies and meetings conducted by different offices and institutions have also increased.
As such, an individual recently tested positive after taking part in a function of the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, while another individual tested positive after attending the congress of Football Association of the Maldives (FAM). Participants of the congress, including journalists, have since been placed under home isolation.