National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has permitted retail shops to reopen in the Greater Male’ Region.
Speaking at the daily press briefing held at the NEOC, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Health Aminath Shaina Abdulla said walk in customers can be permitted to shops registered with the Ministry of Economic Development. Shaina said people can shop between 0900hrs and 2100hrs every day while delivery services will be permitted until 2300hrs. Additionally, she said HPA is also working with Male' City Council to open the Male' Fish Market.
Despite permitting retail shops to reopen, NEOC has urged shops to take safety measures and guidelines instructed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) including social distancing and wearing masks. NEOC also urged shops to display the number of customers permitted to enter the shop at a single time.
NEOC has urged the public to take safety measures even in islands without reported cases of COVID-19 despite the decision to open shops and restaurants in islands for walk in customers. NEOC further stated arrangements to open gyms, cafés, restaurants and salons located in Male' City are also underway.