Health Protection Agency (HPA) has granted permission to reopen 21 establishments initially closed for violating the safety guidelines.
HPA said the establishments were given permission to reopen following inspections and when the issues identified in the previous inspections were addressed. HPA revealed 174 establishments were inspected on August 3, which included 40 food outlets, 123 shops, nine salons and two markets. HPA permitted to reopen seven food outlets, 11 shops, two salons and a market following the inspections.
The agency also closed an additional 33 establishments on August 3 for violating the safety guidelines. The establishments closed include 10 food outlets, 17 shops, five salons and a market. The establishments have been given 24 hours to rectify the violations, after which it will be permitted to reopen if the issues have been addressed.
HPA has formulated COVID-19 safety guidelines for cafés and restaurants, shops, gyms and fitness centres, salons and markets. As per the guidelines, the establishments must specify the total number of customers that are allowed at one time. The instructions for customers include wearing a mask and using hand sanitisers.
The mass public health inspection is a joint operation conducted by the HPA, Male' City Council, Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), Ministry of Economic Development, Maldives Police Service (MPS), Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC).