President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended the duration of the government office closure until June 22.
The President's Office announced all government offices in the Greater Male' Region which includes all offices in Malé, Hulhumalé, Villingili, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu are to remain closed as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of COVID-19. The President's Office stated that despite the temporary closure of offices and directive for employees to work from home, all essential services will continue without interruption by allowing the minimum number of required employees to attend their respective offices. A minister or head of an office or institution is tasked with authorising any exemptions, and government offices will be providing public services online.
The decision to close government officers was part of the restrictive measures put in place in response to the worsening COVID-19 situation in the Maldives in May, with the country announcing record numbers of cases and deaths.
In his directive, President Solih reiterated the importance of adhering to the instructions of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to control the spread of COVID-19. Regardless of the decision to close government offices, the period would not be declared as government holidays.