In light of the current situation across the Maldives amid ever-increasing fears of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), the government of Maldives has decided to close all state offices.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih issued the order to take effect from 19 March, Thursday for a period of one week. The period is set between 19 - 26 March.
The decision was reached as a precaution against the spread of the Covid-19, declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) recently, after a meeting with the government’s cabinet of ministers on Tuesday.
All essential services will be provided to the public without interruption, despite all offices being closed, said the President’s Office.
A minimum number of employees will be active in providing services to the people at government offices.
Some of the companies that are to limit the number of staff reporting to work and continue providing essential services include;
1. Health service centers and pharmacies,
2. Judiciary services and courts,
3. Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service (MPS),
4. Water, electricity and sewerage companies,
5. Diplomatic and consular institutes,
6. Social protection services, orphanages and shelters,
7. Airports and Seaports,
8. Broadcasters,
9. Banks,
10. Fire and rescue,
11. Maldives Meteorological Department,
12. Gas and fuel suppliers,
13. Waste Management Corporation, WAMCO and
14. Maldives Correctional Services.
At this critical time where the government offices and institutions have been closed, the government continues to appeal on restaurant and café owners to close their doors for services, until the situation has simmered down in the country.
The government has also urged the people to refrain from attending public gatherings, limit travel and practice social distancing.
Thus far, there have been 13 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Maldives;
1. Five from Kuredu Island Resort,
2. Two from Kuramathi Maldives,
3. Two from Sandies Bathala Maldives,
4. Two from Anantara Dhigu and
5. Two from Island Safari 1.
