People of Alif Alifu Thoddoo has decided to close the island for tourists starting from Sunday and restrict the island for Maldivians unless absolutely necessary.

Guesthouse businessman at the island, the former President of the Guesthouse Association, Ahmed Karam, told One Online today that it as an independent decision made by the island after discussing with the guesthouse owners, speedboat operators and the people of the island.

He said that after closing to the tourists, the travel from the island will also be limited to absolute necessity.

Karam said that the precautionary measure was taken preemptively because 50 percent of the island’s economy depends on farming and with the month of Ramadan so close, they do not want to risk the millions in investment made to the farms. And if a disease halts any outgoing products from the island, farms will suffer greatly.

Although the island is being restricted to necessity for locals, Karam said that those who want to buy products can still visit. He said that the people of the island have established a task force to monitor the arrivals and departures.

And if a foreigner that is not in the care of someone in the island is found, they will be expelled from the island with the help of the Island Council.

Vice President of the Thoddoo Island Council, Hassan Abdulla told One Online that the decision to secure the island was made with the Council support. And the reasons for closing the island to tourists include giving time to monitor which routes tourists are taking to come to the Maldives.