Authorities extend COVID-19 safety measures in Male' City

Measures imposed in Male' City, the capital of the Maldives, due to the COVID-19 situation have been extended by authorities.

The measures imposed include a ban on in-house dining in cafes and restaurants from 20:00 to 23:00. Takeaway services and delivery services are exempt from the measures. 

The measures related to cafes and restaurants are to be kept in place for a further seven days.

Other measures extended include curfew imposed from 23:00 to 4:00. 

Health authorities also introduced a new measure that bans public gatherings of more than five people outdoors in the capital. 

Moreover, cinemas and theaters, running tracks, parks, and public spaces are to remain closed. Universities and colleges are to conduct education virtually. Solo exercise activities are permitted, however, group exercises and workout sessions, as well as sports activities, are not to be conducted. 

Gyms are also to only permit solo sessions. People traveling to other islands in the nation from the capital, are to present a negative PCR test of 72-hours. Pre-schools, daycares, and nursery services are to be discontinued until further notice as well. 

Authorities also extended the state of public health emergency today, for a period of one month.

The Maldives has confirmed more than 20,000 cases of the pandemic virus since confirming the first case almost a year ago. The death toll from the virus today increased to 64. There are 2,615 active cases with 187 people hospitalized.