State institutions and government offices are to remain closed until June 22.

The President’s Office announced President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s decision to extend the duration of a closure of government offices and state institutions from June 15 to June 22.

A devastating Covid-19 peak confirmed as the fourth Covid-19 wave in the island nation provoked strengthened precautionary measures nationwide in early May.

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.