Health Protection Agency (HPA) has permitted weddings, parties and special ceremonies to be held with large numbers of guests in attendance.
HPA had banned parties and gatherings as part of the measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives. With the reduced number of cases, HPA has started lifting certain restrictions including the ban on parties and gatherings. As such, HPA announced weddings, parties, ceremonies and similar events can be held with large numbers of guests starting from August 6, albeit with certain safety measures such as wearing face masks, social distancing and maintaining hygiene.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said despite the reduced case numbers, people attending gatherings are still testing positive for COVID-19. Therefore, she urged for caution when attending places with large numbers of people.
Following a record surge of cases and deaths in May, number of COVID-19 cases have been generally low in the Maldives since June. However, authorities have urged the public not to take the pandemic lightly, as a lack of precaution can lead to another outbreak.