President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed that if the lockdown in Male' area is implemented effectively, there will be an ease in the restriction of movement after the current lockdown comes to an end on May 28.

Addressing the nation regarding the situation of COVID-19 in the Maldives, President Solih said that the restriction of movement will be lifted in phases. As such the first phase would ease going out and about and implement easier arrangements for general businesses.

"We are preparing to ease the lockdown in Male' area if the lockdown is implemented effectively with all citizens abiding by the advice of health experts. This will be carried out in phases. As such the first phase would ease going out and about and implement easier arrangements for general businesses. In later phases, there will be fewer restrictions in gatherings as well," President Solih said.

He further added that permits to reopen mosques, cafe's, restaurants as well as schools will be given under special arrangements. These arrangements will also extend to government and private offices, where employees could soon resume work.

The President noted that the technical team related to this work will give out additional information regarding the arrangements in the coming weeks.

He stressed that while the lockdown in the Male' area lifts, the testing capacity would be increased as well.

The President added that islands, where COVID-19 has not been found, will be brought back to normal at the soonest possible.