Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed an additional 22 establishments in the Greater Male' Region have been closed for violating safety guidelines.
HPA said 135 establishments were inspected on August 2 to ensure the safety guidelines are followed. HPA said following the inspection 22 establishments have closed including seven food outlets, nine shops, four salons, a spa and a market.
A total of 140 establishments so far have been closed for violating safety guidelines. The establishments are given 24 hours to rectify the violations, after which it will be permitted to reopen if the issues have been addressed.
HPA has formulated a COVID-19 safety guideline for cafés and restaurants, shops, gyms and fitness centres, salons and markets. The establishments must specify the total number of customers that are allowed at one time. The instructions for customers include wearing a mask and using hand sanitisers.
The mass public health inspection is a joint operation conducted by the HPA, Male' City Council, Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), Ministry of Economic Development, Maldives Police Service (MPS), Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC).