The Greater Male’ Area has been placed under lock down for the next 14 days amid the community spread of COVID-19 in the Maldivian capital.

A statement issued by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) signed by the Director General of Public Health said that a 14-day lock down will be in effect in the Male’, Hulhumale’ and and Vilimale’ from 1:15 p.m. today. And during this time, no vehicles and pedestrians will be allowed on the streets along and the general public is to stay indoors.

The statement also orders the suspension of public transport such as buses and ferry services.

However, vehicle and personnel of the Maldives Police Service, MNDF, along with ambulances and those authorized by the National Emergency Operation Service are an exception.

HPA said that the lock down will be enforced by the Maldives Police Service and the exceptions for special circumstances would be decided by the relevant authorities.