President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has publicised the guidelines to reopen government institutions from Sunday, August 8.
President's Office stated government institutions will officially reopen on August 8, months after remaining temporarily closed as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives. The 23rd directive issued by the President's Office this year stated that all employees should abide by the guidelines publicised in the 19th directive released by the President's Office, as they return to working at the premises of their respective agencies.
The directive refers to the announcement issued on August 5 by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), permitting employees to return to work at their office premises from August 8. The directive has encouraged government offices to ensure that staff complete their work within regular hours and avoid staying in the office past work hours unless for shift duty. The directive noted offices are encouraged to close by 1600 hours at the latest if it is absolutely necessary that offices should remain open after regular hours.
Further, the directive said to reduce the necessity of physical interactions, government institutions should identify which of their services could be provided online, subsequently implement and regularise such means. Additionally, in light of the economic situation caused by the pandemic, agencies are advised to undertake necessary expense reductions.
The directive stated government institutions should reduce printing costs and digitalise work to the extent possible and should also implement all possible cost-cutting measures in order to reduce the strain on the national budget. The directive also mandates offices to implement good hygiene practices and ensure social distancing, per the measures outlined in the relevant Civil Service Commission circular, developed in consultation with the HPA.