Some restrictions put in place against Covid-19 in the Greater Male' region have been eased ahead of the holy month of Ramazan and the Local Council elections.

The curfew which has been effective across the Maldives' capital between 11pm and 04:30am has been dissolved effective Thursday, although gatherings of more than five people will remain banned in public places.

Male' City residents will still require a negative PCR test result with a sample taken 72 hours prior when travelling to other islands, with special permission still a requisite for essential travel. Further, all those entering the Maldives aside from tourists will be required to observe a 10-day quarantine, with those traveling from Male' to other islands also required to quarantine.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has chosen to maintain restrictions on sports activities, parties, gatherings and other such functions within the capital city, where over 70 new cases of Covid-19 were detected on Wednesday.

The public health authority has also announced that cinemas and movie theatres can now open under strict Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, along with outlets providing food services and running tracks as well. Physical classes will also resume under strict measures for nurseries, pre-schools, colleges and universities, along with resumption of services from gyms, exercise classes and day care centers under HPA guidelines.

The Director General of Public Health had earlier signaled that restrictions imposed on residents in the Greater Male' area could be lifted in time for the holy month of Ramazan. The Maldives is presently preparing for the Local Council and Women's Development Committee Elections, scheduled to be held on 10 April 2021.