Maldives has extended the state of public health emergency first declared across the Maldives on 12 March 2020 amid fears of the Covid-19 pandemic, once more.

The announcement was publicized in a press release signed by the Minister for Health Ahmed Naseem, which stated that the ministry had decided to extend the state of public health emergency, first announced on 12 March 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to 3 June 2021 as per the powers vested in them in the Public Health Protection Act (No. 7/12), under recommendations by the Director General of Public Health, Maimoona Aboobakuru.

This is the 15th time the state of public health emergency has been extended.

The extension is through 3 July 2021.

The document further declared that the risk of wide-spread escalation of the pandemic in the Maldives remains, and that the ministry has advised citizens to adhere strictly to health guidelines and regulations in place to help limit the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

The health minister stressed on the importance of citizens understanding the current situation of the pandemic in Maldives, and cautioned the public to adhere strictly to the precautionary steps put in place across the nation under the Public Health Protection Act.

The government in April revised many of the health guidelines and regulations in place to help ease day-to-day life for citizens and businesses once the Covid-19 caseload began simmering as well as in time for the fasting month of Ramadan 1442 and the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee Elections in mid-April. However, stricter measures such as a vehicle ban across the capital region, were enforced following an alarming spike in cases since late April. These measures have been extended since May 26, with the curfew period extended from 4pm to 8am. Further, authorities revealed that individuals will only be allowed to go out between 8am and 4pm, under special household permits, two of which are granted to each household.