Ministry of Islamic Affairs has permitted prayer congregations to resume in all but 2 cities and 24 islands in the Maldives.
The Islamic ministry decided to allow prayer congregations to resume in islands with no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, as part of the efforts to lift some restrictive measures imposed in the Maldives. However, the ministry has published a list of cities and islands under lockdown or monitoring status, which have not yet been granted permission to resume prayer congregations. The list includes Male’ City, Kulhudhuffushi City and 24 islands across Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Baa Atoll and Kaafu Atoll.
The ministry has instructed mosques in islands which have been granted permission to resume prayer congregations to take certain measures to ensure cleanliness. In this regard, mosques have been instructed to mop the floors before every prayer and install facilities to wash hands with soap. Mosques have also been instructed to ensure proper ventilation and to reduce the use of air-conditioning.
With the decision to ease the restrictions and allow congregational prayers, the ministry has also instructed the public to follow precautionary safety measures. Elderly people and individuals with any COVID-19 symptoms have been advised to refrain from taking part in prayer congregations. The ministry has also advised the public to wear face masks and carry prayer mats when going to the mosque.