Maldives government has imposed a new regulation, restricting the 24-hour operations of shops, restaurants and cafes operating in Greater Male' Region.
State has pushed for the new regulation in light of the rapidly spreading viral disease; COVID-19, which has reached the island nation as well.
A statement released bearing signature of Director General of Public Health, Ms Maimoona Aboobakur cites all cafes, restaurants and local shops must close down its operations from 23:00hrs until 06:00hrs, and will remain as such until further notice.
The island nation is exercising a State of Public Health Emergency in light of the viral pandemic outbreak, with Maldives government taking several strict measures to curb the spread of the disease into the mainland Male' City.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) endorsed new regulation will be effective on the Greater Male' Region; which includes Male' City, Hulhumale' and Vilimale.
Moreover, restaurants, cafeterias and similar food and beverage venues are restricted from providing takeaway services from 00:00hrs to 06:00hrs until further notice.
The Director General of Public Health urged all relevant entities and businesses to comply to the authority's regulation accordingly.
While cafes, restaurants and similar venues have been shut down temporarily in the Greater Male' Region, Male' City will exercise daily curfew of 03 hours starting from 02 April 2020.
Meanwhile, public and vehicles have been restricted from moving outside at Hulhumale' during the said hours.
Maldives have confirmed a total of 18 positive cases of the viral disease, out of which only 03 are locals while the other 15 are foreigners.
So far, 13 have been cured at the island nation while 3 remain in treatment. Two Italian tourists, who holidayed at Maldives tested positive to COVID-19 after they reached to their home country.
