Health Protection Agency (HPA) has instructed Male' City Council to close the night markets.
HPA had previously requested the closure of the night markets to prevent COVID-19 transmission but later reversed the decision. The health agency stated it granted permission to hold the night markets as organisers had already made the expenses and preparations. It stated organisers were granted permission to hold night markets on January 6 in compliance with its guidelines, including the social distancing rules.
However, HPA stated a mass inspection conducted on the night markets the following day showed that attendees were not adhering to the guidelines. It stated that attendees were ignoring social distancing rules and not wearing masks and therefore it has instructed the Male' City Council to close the night markets.
Night markets were recently held back-to-back, including two events in Hulhumale' and two in Male' City. HPA has advised strengthening preventive measures against COVID-19 as the new Omicron variant has been spreading across the country.