Scaling back Restrictions from July 1 Onwards, Priority to Recovering the Economy

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih spoke to the press yesterday evening and stated that in light of the improving Covid situation in the Greater Male Region, the government’s current objective is to restart the economy under safety guidelines. 
 
Starting July 1, 2021, the following measures will come into effect. 

• Curfew hours scaled back further from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 
• All businesses allowed to resume operation and provide services during non-curfew hours 
• Restaurants can open for dine-in during non-curfew hours 
• Gyms and salons allowed to open for walk-in customer service during non-curfew hours 
• Residents can go outside during non-curfew hours without permit 
• Mosques will resume congregational prayers 
• Persons who had contracted and recovered from Covid-19 would be allowed to travel between islands in the Maldives without quarantining for 60 days 

 
Businesses which are an integral part of the nation’s economy have been affected majorly amid the pandemic and with the recent extended lockdown in the area, their revival has become key to re-establishing the Maldives’ economy. President acknowledged these challenges and delineating that, he stated that to this day, MVR 1.7 billion had been disbursed as recovery loans, income support allowance and subsidies for utilities. He also briefed on the various stimulus packages introduced for businesses of various capacities as a means of assisting them financially on their path to recovery.