Discussions are underway to consider stronger measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the atolls.

Currently, there are 30 islands under monitoring due to a spike in cases.

Commissioner of Quality Assurance at the Health Ministry, Thasleema Usman told ONE Online today that the situation in the atolls has gotten worse because the guidelines from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is not being followed.

She said that the Ministry is working with the taskforces established in the islands to control the spread.

While all the islands have been informed of the HPA Guidelines, Thasleema said that when an island is under a monitoring status, all enforcement agencies are monitoring the situation. And discussions are underway to employ more strict measures than those currently in effect.

Although the situation in the Male' City area has improved, the atolls are being severely affected. And COVID-19 had been spreading in the atolls despite the increasing vaccinated population.