Members of the public have gathered in front of the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) protesting against the authority's new restrictive measures.

On Saturday evening, Health Protection Agency (HPA) made confirmation of restricting vehicle movement from 20:00hrs until 05:00hrs everyday effective from Sunday, 23 August 2020. Moreover, the authority confirms public was subjected towards fines for violations of the said measures.

Health authority's decision on Saturday evening has been met with public criticism with many stressing about its negative implications on businesses as well as public needs.

Several protesters have gathered in front of Dharubaaruge, the site of HEOC, voicing their concern and addressing their plight with regards to the new restrictions.

According to HEOC, the decision to place restrictive measures on vehicles post 20:00hrs every night comes as control measure to curb spread of Covid-19 among youth - which is the highest recorded age group with regards to disease spread.

Meanwhile the total number of positive cases in Maldives have reached over 6,600 along with over 2,500 active cases.

Sources further claim the protesters in front of HEOC involve individuals with stakes or ownership in local cafes and restaurants - which will be hit the hardest with the new decision.

Furthermore, reports confirm officers of Maldives Police Service are active at the site to ensure peaceful progression.