Maldives government has announced a new regulation restricting 24-hour operations of local shops, restaurants and cafes operating in Greater Male’ Region.
Government of Maldives have pushed the new regulation in light of the global viral pandemic; COVID-19 which has reached the island nation with reported 18 confirmed cases.
Bearing the signature of Director General of Public Health, Ms Maimoona Aboobakur, a statement from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) cites all local shops, cafes and restaurants with permits for 24-hour operations will now receive restriction in business hours.
All shops, cafes and restaurants in Male’ City, Hulhumale’ and Vilimale have been ordered to close from 23:00hrs to 06:00hrs until further notice.
Meanwhile, Maldives is currently exercising a State of Public Health Emergency in light of the viral pandemic across the world, while the country’s government have been actively taking strict counter measures to flatten the curve of the spread of the virus into mainland Male’ City or other local islands.
Additionally, the aforementioned business venues have been restricted from operating takeaway services from 00:00hrs to 06:00hrs.
The Director General of Public Health has urged all relevant businesses and companies to comply with the regulations of health authorities.
While cafes, restaurants and local shops have been imposed with limitation on business hours the country’s capital; Male’ City will exercise daily curfew for 03 hours from 02 April 2020.
Maldives have so far confirmed a total of 18 positive cases of COVID-19, which includes 15 foreigners and 03 locals. Two Italian tourists who holidayed in Maldives tested positive for the virus after reaching their home country.
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