National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has stated prayer congregations in islands which are under monitoring will be allowed 28 days after the status is lifted.
Speaking to press at the daily press briefing held at the NEOC, Spokesperson Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has published a guideline on allowing prayers in congregation in islands with no confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. The Islamic ministry permitted prayers in congregation to resume starting from May 22, in all but 2 cities and 24 islands in the Maldives.
However, the ministry has urged people taking part in prayers in congregation to take certain measures to ensure cleanliness. As per instructions from the ministry, the elderly 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 maintain social distancing, wear face masks and carry prayer mats when going to the mosque.
Additionally, people going to mosques have been asked to do ablutions at home. Staying in the mosque for long after prayers and shaking hands with others have also been discouraged.
The Maldives suspended prayers in congregation in all islands on April 28, in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.