MALE, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- New restrictions have been placed on travel into and out of the Greater Male region of the Maldives as the country's COVID-19 cases continue to rise amid a possible second wave, local media reported on Wednesday.
Starting Tuesday, travel into and out of the Greater Male region will be possible only with a special permit provided for essential purposes.
Meanwhile, curfew in the region will be imposed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time, with a police permit required to travel outside during these hours.
The Health Emergency Operating Center (HEOC) has also passed regulations ordering shops, restaurants and businesses to close by 9:30 p.m. local time. Wearing a mask covering the nose, mouth and chin has also been made mandatory when outdoors.
The COVID-19 death toll in the Maldives increased to 19 after an 80-year-old woman died at the Hulhumale Medical facility while receiving treatment, the third death in days.
According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 10 islands in the country have reported active COVID-19 cases. The total case count stands at 4,446, with 93 people currently hospitalised and 2,691 having fully recovered. Enditem
