Driving restrictions eased in Male’

Covid-19
Photo shows a police officer on the street during curfew hours imposed on the Male' city area as a precautionary measure against the Covid-19 virus | Photo: Sun

Male’, Maldives – Health Protection Agency (HPA) has brought changes to the time period during which driving on the Male’ roads is prohibited.

Previously, vehicle operation ban was from 20:00 to 05:00 in the morning, which took effect on 23rd of September. However, as per the changes brought to the timing, vehicles are allowed to be operated on the streets of Male’ from until 22:00, starting from 05:00 in the morning.

Even though drivable period has been extended in Male’, the curfew set for the Male’ region still remains the same, which is from 22:00 to 05:00 in the morning. Such measures to restrict the movement of people within the city was taken due the increased number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in Male’.

With the initial implementation of these measures, many expressed concerns regarding the timing, especially cafés and restaurants as this interferes with their delivery services. However, HPA reminds that these measures were taken to decrease the number of gatherings as a means to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.

Another measure taken against Covid-19 was to make it compulsory to wear a mask when going out. Those violating this rule will first be advised and will be fined MVR 1000 if repeated.

This same policy applies when it comes to the restriction of operating vehicles after 22:00