President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended the duration of the previously announced government office closure, from June 29 to July 3, 2021.

The President's Office said that all government offices in the Greater Malé Region (Malé, Hulhumalé, Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu) are to remain closed as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.

It said that despite the temporary closure of offices and directive for employees to work from home as necessary, all essential services would continue without interruption by allowing the minimum number of required employees to attend their respective offices.

It also said that a Minister or head of an office or institution should authorize any exemptions. In contrast, government offices would provide other public services online.

In his directive, President Solih reiterated the importance of adhering to the instructions of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Regardless of the decision to close government offices, the period would not be declared government holidays.