Cafes and restaurants will be allowed to open from 9 am to 10 pm starting July 1.

The Maldives government took several strict precautionary measures against COVID-19, and has been relaxing the restrictions over the past few weeks after the number of positive cases began declining. The government eased restrictions from a full lockdown on May 28, and has granted more eases starting July 1.

In this regard, shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants will be allowed to open at 9 am to 10 pm, and can offer services while adhering to the precautionary measures recommended by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Physical distancing must be practiced and handwashing facilities must be available at all such venues. Although cafes and restaurants can offer dine-in services until 10 pm, delivery services can be offered until 11 pm.

Most schools in Maldives have also resumed studies under the new eases. While all schools in the atolls have re-opened, students in grades 9 and above have resumed studies at a school setting in capital Male'. However, all tuition centres are to remain closed although higher education institutes can reopen.

Salons and barbershops have been allowed to reopen as well. However, only a limited number of customers may be served at a time, and the cleanliness and hygiene of the equipment used at the facilities must be ensured.

Movement in Male' area will only be restricted between 11 pm and 5 am, and specific times are not allocated for children and the elderly and those out for exercise. Gatherings of no more than 30 people will be allowed and cafes and restaurants and other businesses can serve upto 30 people at a time with precautionary measures in place. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued the guidelines on the measures to be taken in providing services.

Sports activities will also be allowed to resume, but such activities for children below the age of 12 will still remain prohibited.

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