Shops, café and restaurant timings changed

Authorities in the Maldives have ordered the closure of cafes, restaurants, and shops in the capital of the country after 21:00. 

The order comes amid a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. An excess of 700 cases was confirmed in the country in the last 24 hours alone, and cases have been rising consistently over the past two weeks in the country. 

The Economic Ministry today said that the order affecting the timings of these businesses is to be imposed from today until May 12. Shops are to be open from 8:00 to 21:00 and delivery services can be conducted with the acquisition of permits by police. Delivery services are to be carried out from 21:00 to 00:00.

During the same time period, cafes, restaurants, and canteens are to be operated from 17:30 to 21:00. Delivery services can still be conducted with the acquisition of permits from the Police. Delivery services are to be provided only until 3:00 in the morning. 

The Ministry also advised businesses to adhere to HPA guidelines. 

Authorities also imposed a curfew in the capital from 21:00 to 4:00 last night due to the surge in cases.