Local Government Authority (LGA) has asked councils not to initiate decisions such as prohibiting travel to respective islands without instruction or advisory from the government. LGA issued a statement regarding the matter following complaints submitted stating some councils are prohibiting entering and leaving the island.
In the circular issued on the matter addressed to all councils, LGA instructed all councils to refrain from taking a voluntary decision without the order of health-related agencies that are lawfully mandated to oversee the situation of Maldives regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. LGA reiterated no actions can be taken by councils without permission from the authorities.
Noting domestic travelling is a basic right of every citizen, LGA noted the constitution states no amount of the right can be confiscated without a law passed by the parliament. However, LGA added the Director General of Public Health is granted with authorities to close down islands and control travelling since the declaration of State of Public Health. LGA stated no such orders are in place in Maldives.
Following the detection of COVID-19 in the country, the government has only locked down resorts with reported COVID-19 cases.