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News Phase III - Measures to Ease Lockdown

Under the efforts to help the country gradually adapt to a new normal, measures to ease the lockdown are distributed into several phases. Below are the specific measures relevant to lifting the lockdown during Phase III, which will begin on July 01, 2020.

General guidelines

  • Movement permitted from 05 am to 11 pm (Greater Malé Region).
  • Gatherings of over 30 people are not allowed in public places/spaces.
  • No specific timings set for age groups, unlike previously.
  • It is best not to go out unless necessary.
  • Always maintain 3 feet distance with others if going out.
  • Use of masks are mandatory for all closed spaces and public service areas.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Or sanitize your hands if hand washing is not possible.
  • Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay home if you are feeling sick.
  • If you having any symptoms of Covid-19 (fever, dry cough, headache, difficulty in breathing) visit a flu clinic immediately.

Not allowed in July

  • For islands with Covid-19 confirmed or suspected cases, schools (including tuition classes) and day-care services for young children below 12 years.
  • Sports academies and activities targeted for multiple children.
  • Mass gathering, such as parties and rallies.
  • Operation of guesthouses in islands with Covid-19 confirmed or suspected cases.

Transport

  • To follow HPA guidelines on preventative measures when travelling during Covid-19.
  • There will be no travel restrictions (transport and ferry services) between islands without confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19.
  • For an island with COVID-19 confirmed or suspected cases:
  • Travel to Greater Malé Region from islands without confirmed Covid-19 cases is allowed.
  • Current procedures must be followed while travelling from Malé to other islands and will be subjected to mandatory 14-days of home-quarantine.

Restaurants/café’s

  • Dine-in services are allowed with new normal measures:
    • Dine-in service will be open from 9 am to 10 pm.
    • Delivery service will be open from 9 am till 11 pm.
  • Restaurants/cafés should follow the guidelines set by HPA.
  • Restaurants/cafés should display the maximum number of people allowed inside the premises.
  • All customers and staff should wear masks while inside the premises.

Mosques

  • The Ministry of Islamic Affairs will publish guidelines on holding congregational prayers in mosques in the Greater Malé Region.
  • The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has provided guidelines pertinent to the measures that are to be observed in mosques.

Government Offices

Private offices

Banking services

  • Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and banks will be open from 9:30 am to 2 pm on July 1 and 2.
  • Further dates will be announced by MMA and banks according to the Guideline provided by HPA.

Education

Islands with Covid-19 confirmed or suspected cases

  • Schools will be open for key stage 4 and 5 (grades 9-12). (Schools and Ministry of Education will decide together on operational procedures):
    • Although these students of these key stages are required to attend schools, they also have to participate in online Google and teleclasses.
    • Each session will be conducted for 4 hours.
    • Students have to attend school for 4 days every week.
    • Staffs and students must wear masks while they are in school.
    • Each entrance to the school must have arrangements for temperature monitoring.
    • Assembly and other extra-curricular activities should not be conducted.
    • Minimum 3 feet distancing should be practised at all times.
    • Hand washing or hand sanitizing arrangements should be in place.
    • Classrooms will be disinfected between sessions.
    • Classes will be cleaned daily.
    • During weekends, classrooms will be deep cleaned and disinfected.
  • Although students from foundation stage to key stage 3 (pre-school to grade 8) do not have to attend school, online Google class and teleclass will be conducted for these students.
  • SEN classes will start according to the Guideline provided by the Ministry of Education.

Islands without confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19

  • Schools will be open for key stages 1 to 5 (grades 1-12). (Schools and Ministry of Education will decide together on operational procedures).

Higher Education

  • The Ministry of Higher Education will announce plans to reopen institutions.
  • If teachers, student or staffs need to attend the institution, they have to comply with HPA guidelines.
  • Minimum 3 feet distancing should be practised at all times.

Sports and recreation

  • Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment will announce guidelines for team sports on July 1.

Gym and fitness centres

  • Gym and fitness centres will be opened for operations according to the guidelines set by HPA on How to operate Gyms and Fitness Centres.

Tourism

  • Resorts:
  • Guesthouses:
    • Guesthouses will open on July for locals/residents in Covid-19 free islands.
    • Guesthouses will be opened for tourists in August.

Airports - Domestic

  • Airports will be open for travel between Covid-19 free islands.
  • All staff and passengers must wear masks and practice a minimum of 3 feet distance between each other.

Airports - International

  • Will open for international flights on July 15.
  • All staff and passengers must wear masks and practice a minimum of 3 feet distance between each other.
  • Airports will have to operate as per the Response Guidelines for the Points of Entry set by HPA.

Ports of Entry

  • Ports of entry will continue to operate as per the Response Guidelines for the Points of Entry set by HPA.

Salons and Spas

  • Salons, barbershops, and spas will be open as per HPA guidelines on July 1.
  • All establishments must display the total number of customers allowed inside at any given time. All staff and customers must practice a minimum of 3 feet distancing between each other.