News

Seven establishments remain closed at the end of mass inspection

Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has revealed seven establishments in the Greater Male' Region remain closed at the end of the second mass public health inspection.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) launched an inspection programme to ensure public places such as cafes, restaurants, local markets, salons and gyms are implementing the COVID-19 control measures in accordance with the safety guidelines. The second round of the mass inspection was completed on August 8.

Speaking at a press conference held at the HEOC, Director at the Ministry of Health Ahmed Nasir revealed a total of 1,545 establishments were inspected in the Greater Male' Region, of which 258 establishments were closed for violating safety guidelines. Nasir said seven establishments remain closed at the end of the inspection as the violations were not rectified. He said the establishments that remain closed include two salons, two shops and three food outlets.

Speaking further, the director said a large number of issues were identified during the mass inspection, adding the level of compliance to the regulations was low among staff as well as customers. He said salons presented the largest number of issues, such as exceeding the limit of customers allowed inside, lack of social distancing, lack of proper hygiene in serving the customers and lack of access to clean water.

The first round of the mass inspection was carried out on July 12. During the first round, 1,390 establishments were inspected although no action was taken against any of the establishments.

The second round of the inspection was carried out from July 29 to August 8, with stricter measures imposed against establishments violating safety guidelines. A third round of inspection will be conducted with more emphasis on the issues identified during the second round.

The inspection is carried out in collaboration with Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), Ministry of Economic Development, Male' City Council, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC).