Removal of monitoring status at Addu City requested

Addu City Council has requested Health Protection Agency (HPA) to remove the monitoring status declared at the City starting from the end of August.

Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar told Sun that the Council had requested HPA for the removal of monitoring status via a letter last Saturday – in light of the improved COVID-19 situation at the City.

“Addu’s economy is being affected because the City is under monitoring. There are difficulties because of the curfew hours imposed as well. Businesses are facing difficulties due to this. The removal of monitoring status was requested because there are social and economic difficulties the residents are facing, as well as the condition of the City being a lot better,” he had said.

Addu City's Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo Feydhoo and Feydhoo were placed under monitoring mechanisms on August 28. The City's Hulhumeedhoo was placed under monitoring mechanisms on September 4.

At the end of November, due to the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in the City, additional restrictive measures were announced by Addu City Council, to curb the spread of the virus.

The measures include a ban on house visits and a ban on public gatherings – including sports competitions, ceremonies and functions.

The council has also ordered the suspension of extracurricular activities at schools – including competitions and ceremonies.

Meanwhile, the 21:00-04:00 hours curfew that has been in place, was announced to remain that way.

As per Addu's Emergency Operation Center, only one person tested positive for COVID-19 in Addu City during the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the City presently has a total of 56 active cases; 46 cases from Maradhoo, five cases from Meedhoo and two cases from Hulhudhoo.

Only one person is currently being treated at hospitals in Addu City, after being infected.

Twelve deaths have been recorded from the City since the onset of the pandemic.