Health Protection Agency HPA has eased the restrictive measures imposed on the cafes/ restaurants operating in the Male' Area amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
HPA had said in an announcement published in the Government Gazette that it would allow cafes/ restaurants operating in the Greater Male' Area of Male', Hulhumale', Villimale, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu to serve dine-in customers till 10:30 pm.
HPA also said that it has now rescinded its order to shutdown such establishments for dine-ins at 08:00 pm and continue delivery and takeaway service till 10:30 pm.
The Agency instructed relevant authorities to assist the implementation of the new order that would allow eateries in the bustling capital to cater to the dinner crowd.
The ease in the restrictive measures against such establishments comes amid mounting concerns from cafe/restaurant owners about the devastating effects of the measures on their business.
Most have recorded heavy losses last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Greater Male' Area under lockdown for most of the year while the start of 2021 had also brought on more misfortune with the recent restrictive measures.
Many owners have also said that their businesses would go under if the measures continue to remain strict.
