The government is to officially reopen state institutions and office s on Sunday, July 5.

Maldives initially decided to close all government offices and institutions on March 19, and some of them were re-opened after a period of two months.

The decision to officially reopen all state institutions corresponds with the 22nd directive published by the President’s Office this year.

Following this, government offices and state institutions will operate from 8am to 2pm through Sunday to Thursday, revealed the President’s Office.

Relevant information regarding safety and health measures that are required to be adapted upon the reopening of government offices have also been provided.

The measures are outlined in a circular published by the Civil Service Commission on June 23 and highlights the guidelines for hygiene and social distancing measures that have been recommended by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). These measures are paramount to reduce the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic from spreading.

Further, government offices and state institutions have been encouraged to ensure staff complete their work within the official working hours and urged to refrain from remaining at office past 2pm unless a shift-duty basis is being followed.

Offices are encouraged to close their doors by 4pm the latest, if they are required to be kept open after official hours.

Institutions must categorize services that may be provided through online platforms in order to minimize physical interactions. They are required to make arrangements so that this is implemented.

The guidelines go on to address the issue of necessary cost-cutting measures that are required in light of the economic impacts caused by the pandemic. In accordance, government offices are required to reduce printing costs and digitalize work as much as they can. Cost-cutting measures must be implemented through all possible means to reduce the strain on the national budget.