President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended the duration of the previously announced government office closure, from May 22 to 25, 2021. All government offices in the Greater Malé Region (Malé, Hulhumalé, Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu) are to remain closed as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Despite the temporary closure of offices and directive for employees to work from home as necessary, all essential services would 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 should authorise any exemptions. In contrast, government offices would provide other public services online.
In his directive, President Solih reiterated the importance of adhering to the instructions of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to control the spread of the coronavirus. Regardless of the decision to close government offices, the period would not be declared government holidays.
