Parliament sittings are to be temporarily halted as a preventive measure against the spread of Covid-19.

Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed made the announcement while speaking at Wednesday's parliament sitting, adding that the decision was made due to the threat of Covid-19. This decision was made under the powers granted to the Speaker and other presiding officers under Article 247 of the parliament's regulations.

Although parliament sittings will be temporarily halted, the parliament's work will continue, said Nasheed. The Parliament's Secretariat is to make arrangements for employees to work from home.

Additionally, Nasheed stressed that the parliament cannot shut down during such dire circumstances and noted that the parliament has many important matters to attend to.

This includes finding legal avenues to postpone the local council and women's development committee elections and extending the tenure of incumbent councillors until elections can take place.

The Speaker went onto urge all parliament members to stay prepared in case an emergency parliament sitting is called during this period.