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HPA extends capital region’s vehicle ban from 1800 hrs to 0600 hrs

Shahudha Mohamed
13 February 2021, MVT 09:08
A police officer on duty on the Sinamale’ Bridge during the first vehicle ban implemented in the Greater Male’ Region. PHOTO: MIHAARU
Shahudha Mohamed
13 February 2021, MVT 09:08

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Friday, extended the vehicle ban implemented in the Greater Male’ Region from 1800 hrs to 0600 hrs, in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The vehicle ban applies to all the islands in the capital region, including Male’ City, fifth ward Vilimale’, reclaimed suburb Hulhumale’, airport island Hulhule’, landfill island Thilafushi and industrial island Gulhifalhu.

However, vehicles of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service, vehicles driven by health workers, ambulances, people holding Health Emergency Operation Centre’s (HEOC) passes, and patients requiring emergency medical treatment are not subject to the vehicle ban.

Police and other relevant authorities will implement the tightened safety measures, and will fine people who violate the rules as required, HPA said.

After a long period of recording low numbers towards the end of 2020, Maldives is now experiencing its third wave of the pandemic, with the introduction of the United Kingdom’s highly contagious virus variant.

With the sudden spike in numbers, HPA introduced a new curfew on February 3, which prohibits civilians from roads and public spaces between 2300 to 0430 hrs.

At the time, HPA also restricted vehicle movements between 2030 to 0430 hrs, which has now been extended to a 12hr period.

Currently, the island nation records a total of 17,507 virus cases of which 2,302 are active cases, in addition to 15,142 recoveries and 56 deaths.

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