The government has announced the decision to extend closure of state institutions and offices for another week.
The extension is from May 15 – 22. This has not been declared government holidays, despite offices being closed.
The decision was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in light of the worsening situation of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic across the island nation and comes at the heels of an alarming surge in cases.
As such, all state institutions and government offices in the Greater Malé Region comprising of Malé, Hulhumalé, Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu will remain closed as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the virus.
During this period, state employees have been urged to continue working from home and services are to be provided uninterruptedly through online platforms and services may also be provided by a limited number of employees who will be allowed to attend their workplace.
Only a minister or a head of respective offices or institutions may authorize exemptions.
In his directive, Solih reiterated the importance of adhering to the instructions of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to control the spread of the fatal infection.