Maldives introduces first set of relaxations in coronavirus restrictions

The Maldives has increased the number of hours people can spend out of their homes and opened some businesses in its first relaxation of restrictions since mid-April. The government says three passes will be issued per family and each will allow two hours out twice every week.

Only one family member had been allowed to go out every week for one hour, with most supplies home delivered. Most shops and workshops will be allowed to open and taxis and trucks can operate.

The government says the spread of the virus has reached a manageable level and its prepared to handle a spike. There are 1,513 COVID-19 patients in this tiny archipelago state of 400,000 people and five reported deaths.