Health Protection Agency (HPA) has decided to close the businesses that violate the restrictions in place due to the spread of COVID-19 for 24 hours.

HPA has said that Cafe & Restaurants in Male' area are not allowed to serve dine-in customers starting tomorrow.

However, delivery services can continue until 12:00pm, with the police permit. Businesses that violate the rules are to be closed for 24 hours.

Speaking during a presser last night, Spokesperson at the President's Office, Mabrook Aziz said that upon an investigation of over 65 guesthouses they had found one that was in violation of the regulations. An additional 15 out of 40 businesses that were inspected were also on violation of the given guidelines.

Business closure was the final step previously, as HPA initially warned and fined businesses for such violations.