The government of Maldives has extended the suspension on congregational prayers at mosques in a number of islands that have not been permitted to commence congregational prayers.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs noted that the extension is until Asr prayer of June 11 and is followed by the extension of the State of Public Health Emergency declared across the nation on March 12, for a third time on Wednesday.

On May 24, authorities allowed congregational islands in all inhabited islands, except seven.

The temporary measures are in place for islands under monitoring including Maldives capital, Malé City, Manadhoo island of Noonu atoll and Narudhoo island of Shaviyani atoll.

The extension initially came on March 18 as a precautionary measure against the Covid-19 pandemic and it was extended a number of times before authorities decided to lift the measure from a number of islands.

The measure is in place under the recommendation of Islamic scholars and congregational prayers will be prohibited at mosques during all prayer times.

The people have been instructed to follow orders of the relevant authorities, as it is for the sake of public health.

The ministry has urged citizens to frequently pray at home, especially Sunnah prayers while advising citizens to increase prayers of supplication as well. The ministry earlier stated that congregational prayers will resume as soon as a change is observed in the circumstances.

On Wednesday, the government revealed that they would put the lockdown ease plan into effect from Thursday onward, in phases.