Health Protection Agency HPA says it would allow cinema halls and movie theaters to resume business, months after they were forced to close down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an announcement today, HPA said that it has now revoked the order issued on 16th March 2020 ordering the closure of movie theaters and cinema halls in a bid to protect public health amid the pandemic.
HPA also said that such venues can resume operations starting tomorrow, albeit under the guidelines set by the Agency.
It is set to reveal the contents of the said guidelines that would allow such venues to open for business amid the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
Health authorities have been easing the COVID-19 restrictions and have allowed the reopening of other public venues including parks, schools, and others.
The new measures were unveiled as HPA reported 55 new cases of COVID-19 in the country on Saturday. This takes the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in the Maldives to a staggering 14,885.
HPA had also reported that 13,813 people have since recovered from the illness and that 1015 remained as active cases of COVID-19 in the country. HPA added that 77 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized for further treatment.
The devastating pandemic has claimed 50 lives here in the Maldives since April last year, with 43 locals and 7 foreigners succumbing to the illness.
