The Ministry of Economic Development has extended the duration businesses are allowed to operate in the Greater Malé Region, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

A publication in the government gazette reads that businesses will be allowed to operate from 6am from August 30 onward, in the region which includes capital Malé, Hulhumalé and Villimalé.

At a time a State of Public Health Emergency is in place since March 12, businesses such as shops and other establishments were earlier allowed to operate from 9am to 9:30pm, and the time has now been extended from 6am to 9:30pm, reads the announcement.

Businesses have been urged to adhere to all the instructions and guidelines set by the HPA when opening their doors for general services.

During this timing, businesses will not be required to get additional permits to operate.

Previously implemented precautionary measures mandate restaurants and cafés to display the maximum number of customers allowed inside the premises at once and enforce social distancing. Customers and staff should wear masks inside the premises, at all times.

Maldives imposed a seven-hour curfew in the Greater Malé Region on August 4, effective from 10pm to 5am.

Additional restrictions were put in place as the daily case count did not see a decline since it began surging following the implementation of the third phase of lockdown easing in July. As such, the government has also restricted movement of vehicles from 8pm to 5am.