Operating hours of the specialised flu clinic established for returning Hajj pilgrims at Hulhumalé Hospital have been extended, with the facility now providing services from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily except Fridays.

Hulhumalé Hospital said the clinic will continue operating to monitor and treat pilgrims who develop flu-like symptoms following their return from Saudi Arabia.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised pilgrims visiting the clinic to wear face masks and seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or chest pain within 14 days of returning from Hajj.

The agency has also urged returning pilgrims to avoid close contact with individuals who may be at greater risk of severe illness, including pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

The extension comes after all Maldivian pilgrims who travelled for Hajj this year completed their return to the Maldives.