The Maldives government has ordered the suspension of all tuition and Quran classes as a preventive measure to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
A circular issued by the Education Ministry instructed the closure of privately-run educational classes, and urged parents against sending students to any classes under the current circumstances. The ministry also said no classes must be conducted where students and teachers are physically face-to-face.
The government earlier on Monday announced that all Maldives schools and educational institutes will remain closed for an additional week.
The government previously extended the mid-term holidays by one week due to COVID-19 fears, and schools were expected to reopen on March 22. However, after more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the Maldives, the State of Public Health Emergency was declared for a period of 30 days. On Monday, it was announced that school re-opening has been delayed by an additional week. The revised date for school re-opening is now March 29.
Although schools are to remain closed, lessons are being delivered to students via online platforms. This week, a TV program was launched to deliver school lessons to tenth graders who will be sitting the O' level exams this year. The lessons will be aired via Youtube and on state TV Channel PSM and YES TV.
The Education Ministry is currently making preparations to begin online schooling for lower grades. The ministry is compiling a list of students who do not have access to TV or the internet.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has also announced that all cinemas and theatres will be closed for a period of two weeks. This applies to Schwack cinema in Male' and Hulhumale', Olympus Theatre in Male' and Thila-Dhekunu Cinema in Kulhudhuffushi City.
13 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives thus far. All are foreigners working in or vacationing at resorts. No locals have been infected to date.
