Covid-19: gov't offices, schools to remain closed next week as well

The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to close all government offices, schools and educational institutions across the Maldives next week as well.

This was announced by the President’s Office on Tuesday via Twitter after a cabinet meeting.

Initially, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced that government offices, schools and all educational institutions will be closed for a week from 19 March to 26 March, however, it was extended on 25 March to an additional week.

This was done as a precautionary measure in light of the current situation across the Maldives amid ever-increasing fears of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The government had, however, revealed 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.

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 has also ordered for all cafés and restaurants to be closed for dining in, measures are being taken against business owners who violate these orders.