Government offices, schools and education institutions across the Maldives will be closed for an additional week.

This was revealed via a press conference held at the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) on Wednesday, where President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih provided the latest information regarding the Covid-19 situation in the Maldives, to the public.

In light of the current situation across the Maldives amid ever-increasing fears of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), the government of Maldives decided to close all state offices on 19 March for a period of one week.

The initial date set is to expire on 26 March, and the government is set to extend it for another week starting 29 March, Sunday, onwards.

The decision was reached as a precaution against the spread of the disease, and the president stated that all essential services will be provided to the public without interruption, despite all offices being closed.

A minimum number of employees will be active in providing services to the people at government offices, it was revealed.

During his address, the president added that 46 institutions and stakeholders are active in the government’s efforts to combat the outbreak, expressing sincere gratitude for the generous contribution by these institutes.

He further added that this is the time for national unity, and urged the people not to go out and to remain indoors.