The government has announced its decision to extend closure of state institutions and offices for another two weeks.

The extension is from May 25 – June 8 and comes at the heels of devastating Covid-19 case numbers being reported across the Maldives in recent weeks, which has provoked strengthened precautionary measures nationwide.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s directive will come into effect on Tuesday and all state institutions and government offices in the Greater Malé Region comprising of Malé, Hulhumalé, Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu will remain closed as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the virus.

During this period, state employees have been urged to continue working from home and services are to be provided uninterruptedly through online platforms and services will also be provided by a limited number of employees who will be allowed to attend their workplace.

Only a minister or a head of respective offices or institutions may authorize exemptions.

In his directive, Solih reiterated the importance of adhering to the instructions of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to control the spread of the fatal infection.

This period has not been declared government holidays.