President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that the government “will prioritize the needs of the public” as it implements the new normal following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The president said this during a working session of the cabinet, held on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting, chaired by President Solih, focused on the changes to be made to the 2020 National Budget in light of the effects of COVID-19, and on reviewing the proposed mid-term budget for the fiscal year of 2021.

According to the President’s Office, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer shared a presentation during the working session, regarding the economic impacts of the pandemic and the proactive steps the country should take in order to help its economy recover and increase budgetary revenue.

The presentation also covered the National Budget for 2021 as well as plans to raise the cost-effectiveness of state and government institutions.

Speaking at the session, President Solih outlined the major economic challenges confronting the country, and the major steps the government will take to resolve them, as the country continues to ease restrictive measures on businesses and social gatherings.

He further stated that the public’s needs will be prioritized, as the country implements a new normal.

Earlier on Tuesday, the president revealed that the country will move to a new phase in the fight against Covid-19, from July 1. As such, government offices are to reopened, as well as businesses including shops, cafés and restaurants. Further, mosques in the greater Malé regions will also be reopened for prayers in congregation, from Wednesday.

The country is preparing to reopen borders for international travel and restart the tourism industry, on July 15.