The government has decided to extend the closure of all government offices and state institutions for another week.

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 22 to June 29, on Tuesday. This period has not been declared government holidays.

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.

A devastating Covid-19 peak confirmed as the fourth Covid-19 wave in the island nation provoked strengthened precautionary measures nationwide in early May. However, authorities eased the measures on June 15, reducing the curfew hours from 4pm to 4am and allowing individual exercises as well as individual prayers at mosques.