Health Protection Agency (HPA) has mandated cafes and restaurants in the Greater Male’ Region to close dine-in services by 2000hrs.
As per the latest announcement issued by HPA, cafes and restaurants in the capital are not permitted to provide dine-in services after 2000hrs, starting from February 27. However, delivery and take-away services will be permitted until 2230hrs.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said the decision was made in line with the efforts to minimise social interactions and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Noting new measures are being imposed with consideration to the rate of spread of COVID-19 in the country, Dr. Nazla said further measures could be announced in the coming days or weeks if the rate of spread does not come down.
COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly in the Maldives since the start of this year. There are currently over 2,400 active cases in the country, with more than 160 patients seeking treatment for COVID-19 in hospitals or medical facilities.