Health Protection Agency (HPA) has ordered the closure of private offices in the Greater Male’ Region until further notice, as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
A circular signed by Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru stated all public and private offices are required to be closed starting from May 7, with staff required to work from home except for essential work which requires them to attend office. HPA has also asked offices to conduct all of its meetings online for the time being.
HPA stated the new measures will be enforced by Maldives Police Service (MPS) and other relevant authorities. HPA has requested full cooperation and support from the public in its efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, HPA has also imposed a curfew from 2100hrs until 0400hrs in the Greater Male’ Region. Shops, cafes and restaurants are required to close by 2100hrs, although delivery services are permitted until 0000hrs with a police permit. HPA has also ordered the closure of gyms, fitness classes, cinemas and salons in the Male’ area until further notice.
Maldives is currently experiencing its worst wave of COVID-19 yet, with daily numbers of cases and deaths breaking records within the past week. HPA confirmed 703 new cases in the Maldives on May 6, while at least 7 deaths were confirmed within the past 24 hours.