Maldivian government has appealed to close down all possible businesses that do not fall into any of the essential needs categories amid the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking during a press conference Covid-19 Spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez noted that the government shutdown that has been announced is one of their efforts to minimise social interactions and gatherings.

Mabrouq noted that all businesses cannot be closed as it will bring the capital to a shut down, even though staying home is the better option in this case. He however added that all non essential businesses could be closed down for the time period.

Maldives have declared a Public Healthy Emergency after Covid-19 was found in the island nation. The state of Public Health Emergency is active for two weeks, during which drastic measures are being taken to control the virus.