President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared government offices will officially reopen on July 5.
A directive issued by the President’s Office stated official working days and hours are to be between Sunday and Thursday, and between 0800hrs and 1400hrs, respectively. The announcement also provided information relevant to the health and safety measures that government institutions must abide by once they reopen, noting these measures are outlined in the circular published by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on June 23. The circular encompasses cleanliness guidelines and social distancing measures recommended by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), in order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
The President’s Office stated despite the reopening, government offices are encouraged to ensure staff complete their work within regular hours and avoid staying in office past 1400hrs, unless it is for shift-duty. The President’s Office further stated if offices are to be kept open beyond regular hours, they are still encouraged to close by 1600hrs by latest. The announcement further read government institutions should identify which of their services can be provided through online mechanisms, and subsequently implement and regularize such means, in order to reduce physical interactions.