President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has ordered security forces to work together to implement the safety measures imposed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to contain further spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
New COVID-19 cases have hit record highs for four consecutive days, with the latest daily figures recorded above 1,500. According to latest figures, the Maldives recorded 1,572 new COVID-19 cases on May 12, with 1,315 cases from Greater Male' Region and the remaining from across the country.
As part of efforts to control the spread of the disease, HPA announced a curfew will be imposed in the Male' area from 1600hrs until 0400hrs starting from May 12. All movement is prohibited during curfew hours, unless a police permit is obtained. HPA has also announced the suspension of prayer congregations in the capital until further notice.
Further measures announced by HPA include the suspension of dine-in services from all cafes and restaurants. However, delivery services can be provided with a police permit until 0000hrs.
Moreover, Maldives has also decided to suspend issuing tourist visas for travellers from other South Asian countries, starting from May 13.