President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has ordered to extend the closure of government offices until May 14.
The President’s Office announced the closure of government offices was extended for a further 14 days in order to assist the lockdown measures imposed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown, which was initially announced until April 30, has now been extended to another 14 days. HPA has ordered the complete restriction of movement and ban on all vehicles and public transport services during the lockdown period.
The President's office said despite the temporary closure of government offices, the provision of all essential services to the public will continue without interruption. The president noted the importance of utilising the minimum number of employees to carry out functions and to make arrangements to work from home.
The essential services include health care providers, pharmacies, water, electricity and sewerage services, broadcasting services, telecommunication and internet services, banking services, cooking gas supplies and fuel supply services, airports and seaports services, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Immigration, Aviation Security Command, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Fire and Rescue services, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Correctional Service, judiciary services and courts, diplomatic and consular services, social protection services, orphanages and shelter services, waste management services and meteorological services.
The president noted it is highly imperative to follow all guidelines and instructions from HPA during the current period.