Ministry of Islamic Affairs has extended the ban on congregations in mosques of Greater Male' region until April 18.
Congregations in mosques of Male', Hulhumale' and Villimale' were initially banned from March 18 to March 28, as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. The ban was extended to April 4, before being extended again to April 18 with regard to the situation of COVID-19 in the Maldives. The Islamic ministry said the decision to extend the ban was taken upon discussions with the Supreme Council of Fatwa and several religious scholars in the Maldives.
While congregations have been banned in mosques in the Greater Male' region, no mosque has been closed. Therefore, individuals are still allowed to pray inside mosques, although a minimum distance of 6 feet must be maintained with others in the mosque.
The Islamic ministry has advised the public to pray at homes in order to avoid the risk of transmitting COVID-19.