Health Protection Agency (HPA) has conducted several inspections into cafés and restaurants in Malé city and closed down some of them who did not obey the safety guidelines issued by the Agency in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HPA noted that the cafés and restaurants were closed down after an inspection today and they added that an announcement has now been put up in these places.

As per the announcement, the cafés and restaurants will only be permitted to reopen once they fully comply with the guideline and inform the HPA about it. Upon a second inspection, the HPA will consider issuing permits if the guideline is fully followed through.

"In the on-going inspection, establishments where ‘notice of closure’ has been given may contact 7285216 from 9:00am to 6:00pm for re-inspection after taking the recommended steps and for any other queries," HPA said in a tweet today.