Govt. announces lockdown easement details for first phase

The government has announced lockdown easements to be initiated in the country as part of the first phase.

The first phase is to last for two weeks approximately. Health Minister Abdulla Ameen announced the details in a press conference just now.

The Minister stated that schools, government offices, cafes, and restaurants, as well as gyms and salons, are to remain closed during the first week.

“The first phase of the easements are shaped on the movement of people, the opportunity to conduct economic activities, businesses, transport easements, as well as medical services.” Said Minister Ameen.

The current lockdown order in the capital city is set to expire tomorrow.

Easements to be initiated starting from Friday onwards are:

• Increase in the number of people permitted outdoors, increase in the amount of time allocated for people outdoors.
• Zones allocated for people outdoors are to be expanded. 
• Supermarkets, bakeries, children's shops, pharmacies, corner shops, bookshops, and hardware stores will be permitted to reopen.
• Mobile phone shops, electronic equipment shops, clothing shops, sporting equipment shops, cosmetics shops, and shops selling items produced in the Maldives would be permitted for online sales.
• Delivery services, automobiles, electronic repair, and workshops would also be permitted to reopen.
• Fish markets are to reopen after tomorrow
• Banking services will be allowed for three days during the first two weeks. Afterward, banking services will be open five days a week.
• Takeaway and delivery services from restaurants and cafes are to be recommenced.
• Flu clinic services will be available to the public.
• A guideline on how services are to be provided at private workplaces would be announced. Private companies can re-open offices with the permission of the Economic Ministry.
• A special permit will be issued for construction works as well.

Areas where the easements would not apply:

• Schools are to remain closed.
• The travel ban would still be imposed. Meaning the public will still not be allowed to travel between islands.
• Parks and beaches are set to remain closed for the next two weeks.
• Mosques in Male’ City will remain closed. 
• Government offices are to remain closed during the first two weeks. Based on permissions issued, some offices may open.