Male’ City Council halts issuance of permits for night markets

Male’ City Council has halted the issuance of permits for night markets.

In a statement released last night, City Council said that they are halting the issuance of permits for events such as night markets as a control measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the area – in line with a letter sent to them by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

“Subsequent to the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, sweeping across world countries being detected in the Maldives in addition to the increase the number of positive cases in Male’ area, we publicly announce the temporary stoppage in the issuance of permits for events such as night markets in Male’ City as a control measure to curb the spread of the disease,” the announcement had read.

The decision to temporarily cease holding events such as night markets comes after the conclusion of the latest night market organized by the City Council last night.

This year’s night market was held from December 26 till last night at Rasfannu area, in Male’ City.

The demand high event saw the attendance of a lot of people last night as well. Whilst stalls were located beside each other, a lot of attendees neglected to maintain social distancing and wear masks.

The latest statistics publicized by HPA show that 102 individuals tested positive for COVID-19 from Male’ area on Wednesday.

At a ceremony held to inaugurate N Landhoo harbor on Tuesday, President Solih stressed that that health experts have warned of a possible rise in COVID-19 cases over the next three weeks, and urged people to comply with measures taken to curb the spread.