The partial reopening of government institutions is to remain until the end of the month.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih issued the order on Thursday to extend the partial reopening of government institutions from June 21-30, and is the 19th directive issued by the President’s Office this year.

As per the previous ones, government institutions will be allowed to open their offices from 9am to 1pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Despite the partial reopening, general members of the public are not to be allowed inside any government buildings.

Government buildings are to only be opened within the specified hours, in order to complete essential tasks.

Any duties that need to be performed outside of the given working hours should be authorized by the relevant institutional head. Further, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) should be informed of the exact nature of the work and the employees attending the tasks. The HPA’s advice should be sought prior to requiring employees to physically attend the workplace.

The directive also urges all employees who can work from home to do so and encourages institutions to provide services online where possible.

While government offices and institutions were closed on March 19, following the Covid-19 pandemic, they were reopened ‘partially’ after nearly two months.