The Maldives government is expected to close down from 19 March until 26 March 2020, as approved by the cabinet.
The decision comes in light of the rapidly spreading viral pandemic COVID-19, that has so far been detected in 13 individuals here in Maldives - all from expatriates.
The Under Secretary of President's Office and official spokesperson on the COVID-19 developments in Maldives, Mr Mabrouk Abdul Azeez advised from the public to refrain from engaging in outside activities as well as restrain from domestic travels.
While the government is expected to close down temporarily for a week's period, political appointees in the public sector will be experiencing a slice of 20% from their salaries.
The Maldives cabinet on Tuesday, 17 March 2020, approved the decision.
Maldives had earlier announced a state of public health emergency for a duration of 30 days, post which Health Protection Agency (HPA) has taken drastic steps to counter the viral pandemic.
HPA has ordered temporary shut down on all public and private schools, colleges, universities as well as other educational institutions while the latest public venues to get restrictions were cinemas.
Moreover, HPA has prohibited individuals either on holiday or employed at local resorts from traveling to locally inhabited islands.
Additionally, the agency recently ordered prohibition of new guest check-ins to guesthouses and city hotels in the Male' City region inclusive of both Hulhumale' and Hulhule.
