Govt. offices to remain closed until end of April

The President of Maldives has ordered the government offices in the country to remain closed until the end of April.

The move by the government is to enforce the lockdown measures imposed on Male’ City to control the spread of Covid-19 in the capital. Male’ City has so far confirmed eight cases of Covid-19 within three days. The lockdown order prohibits public outings and restricts the movement of people to and from Male’ City.

The order to close government offices was published on the gazette and states that the government offices will remain closed from April 19 to 30. 

Despite the closure, essential services by government offices will be provided with the minimum number of employees. 

Services that will not be interrupted during the government closure include:

• Pharmacies, Medical and health centers 
• Water, Sewerage and Electricity services
• Telecommunications and Internet services
• Banking services
• Gas services for cooking purposes
• Air travel and port services
• Customs, Aviation Command and Immigration services
• Security services including MNDF and Police
• Fire and Rescue Services
• Judiciary and access to courts
• Foreign relations
• Community protection services
• Services of state-sponsored foster homes
• Prisons
• Cleaning services of roads and waste collection services
• Weather services

In the statement issued, the president requested all civil servants to comply with the order and follow the instructions of authorities such as the HPA and National Emergency Operations Center regarding the Covid-19 situation in the country.