Minivan Ufaa carnival kicks off tonight after health concern delay

The "Minivan Ufaa" carnival, organized in celebration of this year's Independence Day, will kick off tonight in Central Park, Hulhumalé. The event had been previously postponed due to the rapid spread of norovirus infection in the Malé area.

The opening of the Minivan Ufaa carnival was postponed on the advice of Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Despite the ongoing outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting in the Malé City area in the past week, the number of children admitted to hospitals experienced a sharp increase following the Independence Day parade. The surge in admissions has put a strain on emergency rooms in almost all hospitals.

Due to this, the government had decided to postpone the Minivan Ufaa carnival.

In response to the sudden surge in the number of individuals experiencing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, health authorities have conducted tests to investigate the mode of transmission. According to a statement from the Health Ministry, the outbreak has been identified as an infection caused by the highly contagious norovirus, known for its rapid spread.

Central Park in Hulhumalé will be closed from 4 p.m. today in preparation for the opening of the carnival.

According to the Home Ministry and Urbanco, the organizing bodies, the carnival will offer a wide range of activities for the public to enjoy.

The carnival includes an array of attractions, including game stalls, a cave of horror, a food street, floats, a circus show featuring foreign talent, live music, a karaoke box, and a fireworks display.