HPA changes guidelines to allow campaign

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has amended its guidelines that were in place to control the spread of Covid-19 to allow campaign activities by political parties with prior permission from the agency and Maldives Police Service.

The new policy released by the agency states guidelines for people traveling from Malé to islands and guidelines for organizing meetings by people arriving from Malé. While preparations for the local council election that was rescheduled from April 2020 to March 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions are ongoing, opposition parties have shared their concerns regarding the limitations placed on campaign activities.

Political activities can be conducted in the islands with prior permission from the police and the HPA. HPA also requests to ensure and prioritize safety measures when during these activities.

HPA’s policy also states that if welcoming functions for people arriving from Malé are held then, masks should be worn and people should stay 3 feet apart. The policy also states that people with symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend these functions.

HPA’s guidelines for functions also states that eating arrangements should not be made. It also recommends providing food separately for guests at weddings and other functions instead of a buffet.