The Government of Maldives has decided to impose a curfew in Greater Male' region from 1700 hours to 2000 hours.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed in order to enable imposing measures, under the Public Health Protection Act to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Maldives, Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru has decided to impose a curfew in the Greater Male' region from 1700 hours to 2000 hours from April 2 onwards. During the curfew hours, driving and walking on the roads and public transportation services are prohibited. Moreover, groups of more than 3 people are restricted from walking on the roads at all times.
HPA has also asked public transportation providers to stop providing services during curfew hours. However, the curfew is not imposed on-duty staff and vehicles of security forces, law enforcement agencies, health service provides, Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), State Trading Organisation (STO), State Electric Company (STELCO), Male' Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), telecommunication providers, banks as well as government-owned vehicles, diplomatic vehicles, ambulances and people with passes from National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC).
Moreover, HPA has ordered to close shops in the Greater Male' region from 2300 hours to 0600 hours, while restaurants, cafes and delivery outlets in the Greater Male' region are ordered to be closed from 0000 hours to 0600 hours. HPA also ordered all construction work in the Greater Male' region should be stopped from 1700 hours to 0600 hours.
Furthermore, the Male' City Council has decided that all the local and fish markets in the capital would be open from 0600 hours to 1600 hours. The city council declared the decision was part of the precautionary measures taken against the spread of COVID-19.