Maldives Police Service (MPS) has warned of action against individuals who violate the orders in place during the State of Public Health Emergency imposed due to COVID-19.
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 imposed a lockdown in the Greater Male' region from 1700 hours to 2000 hours from April 2 onwards. The law enforcement body said an individual violating the orders will be advised first, and fined USD 65 if the action is repeated.
During the lockdown hours, driving and walking on the roads are prohibited and public transportation services will be halted. 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 the lockdown hours. However, the lockdown 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 individuals 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.