Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated the permits issued for essential trips during the lockdown imposed in the Greater Male’ Region last year cannot be used during the curfew currently imposed in the capital.
Following another surge of COVID-19 cases in the Maldives, Health Protection Agency (HPA) has imposed curfews in the Male’ Region, including a vehicle curfew which runs from 1800hrs until 0600hrs and a total curfew from 2330hrs until 0400hrs. MPS has stated individuals who need to go out for essential purposes during curfew hours must apply for a permit through the designated portal.
MPS revealed some people have been using permits issued during last year’s lockdown to go out during curfew hours. However, MPS said these permits are no longer valid, adding action can be taken against individuals who use these permits to go out during curfew hours.
Restrictions have been tightened in the Male’ Region following a surge of COVID-19 cases in the capital. Daily number of cases in the country have soared above 100 for nearly a month. There are currently over 2,300 active cases across the country, most of which is from the Male’ Region.
Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated the Maldives is currently experiencing the worst wave of COVID-19 cases to hit the country yet. HEOC has strongly urged the public to follow the instructions from authorities in order to contain the spread of the virus.