Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed over 70,000 individuals were granted permits for essential use amid the lockdown imposed in the Greater Male' region due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statistics of the Lockdown Relief Efforts released by MPS revealed the most number of temporary permits were granted for shopping. MPS issued 71,291 grocery shopping permits and 13,058 travel permits, while 10,041 individuals were granted business operation permits.
The Greater Male' Region has been under lockdown since April 15, upon the detection of a community spread in the capital, Male' City. The government extended the lockdown for a further two weeks, expiring on June 11.
Some restrictions have been eased as the spread of COVID-19 has slowed down in recent weeks. Under phase 1 of easing the restrictions, individuals over the age of 60 are allowed to head outdoors between 0500hrs and 0800hrs every day, after seeking a police permit. They are allowed to be accompanied by one person. In this regard, 1,328 elderly citizens have been given permits.