The Parliament of the Maldives has resumed regular sittings in the parliament chamber with safety precautions in place.
The parliament began regular sittings after imposing measures stated under the guidelines set by Health Protection Agency (HPA). As such, parliamentarians were allowed inside the chamber after getting their temperature checked and ensuring they were wearing masks. All members and administrative staff were placed at least 3 feet apart from each other, as per the guidelines.
Furthermore, the guidelines state the parliament must arrange facilities for members taking part in the sitting to wash their hands with soap or sanitise their hands. Items which would be touched frequently such as tables, keyboards, mouse and door handles are supposed to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Additionally, parliamentarians with any COVID-19 like symptoms must not be allowed inside the chamber.
The regular parliament sittings resumed with 42 members who can be accommodated inside the chamber upon the measures imposed to ensure physical distancing. If a parliamentarian who does not have a seat inside the chamber needs to speak, those inside the chamber are asked to provide them the opportunity. No more than one parliamentarian is allowed near a single desk at once.
The agenda for the first regular sitting held since the lockdown included deliberations on the amendment proposed to the Constitution of the Maldives regarding the extension of the current terms of local councils.