National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) Spokesperson Mabrook Azeez has revealed that changes have been brought to home quarantine rules, where such individuals will be released only after a PCR test.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) initially announced the procedure for home quarantine on 6 June where people traveling from Male’ City to other islands are required to be in home quarantine for 24 days. And said that those under home quarantine will be tested for COVID-19 at the end of the quarantine period.

However, with a change in the procedure, the HPA issued a press statement yesterday saying that no testing will be done at the end of the 24-day quarantine and if the quarantine period is going to be changed, it will be announced formally.

Speaking at the press conference tonight, Mabrook said that the 24-day home quarantine has been reduced to 14 days and when the period is complete, a PCR test will be done and the quarantine will be lifted if the test results come back negative.

It is illegal for those under home quarantine to leave their houses and the others in the house are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. They are also banned from going to public gatherings and visiting others.