The government has announced wearing masks in public is now mandatory. The announcement was made by the President’s Office, following a meeting of the National Taskforce on COVID-19.
The President’s Office stated COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in the past two weeks, following the ease in lockdown restrictions which had been imposed in the Greater Male’ Region. Noting the prevention of another lockdown is in the interest of everybody, the President’s Office announced certain measures need to be imposed for the safety and well-being of all. As such, the President’s Office announced wearing masks in public has now been made mandatory.
Furthermore, the President’s Office also requested the public to limit movements and contacts in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The government has also asked the public to work from home unless essential and practice social distancing at all times.
The Maldives has been in a State of Public Health Emergency since March 12, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A lockdown was imposed in April 15 after a community spread was detected in the Greater Male’ Region.
After over two months in lockdown, restrictions were lifted on July 1 following a decrease in COVID-19 cases reported daily. However, since the restrictions were lifted, COVID-19 cases have once again been on the rise.