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COVID-19: Curfew violations increase, Police issue warnings to 183 individuals

Ali Shareef
07 April 2020, MVT 16:31
Authorities have reported an increase in the number of curfew violations on Monday. PHOTO: MIHAARU.
Ali Shareef
07 April 2020, MVT 16:31

Number of individuals found violating the curfew imposed by Health Protection Agency (HPA), intended as a precautionary measure to control the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, increased on Monday.

A total of 139 individuals including 122 locals and 17 foreigners were reported to have breached the government's directive to stay indoors during the curfew on Sunday, while the number increased to a total of 183 individuals on Monday, with 150 locals and 33 foreigners found in violation of the curfew.

Among these, one individual was issued a fine, while six were handed a second-warning.

Since the curfew came into effect on Thursday of last week, Police on Sunday began enforcing fines on those who breach the curfew. After two prior warnings, an individual was issued a fine for the first time.

According to the police, individuals found outdoors during curfew hours will be issued a warning to stay indoors on the first two instances, following which the individual will be issued with a fine.

The curfew declaration made last Wednesday by HPA's Director-General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru, restricts daily movement across the greater Male' region between 1700 to 2000 hrs until further notice.

Under section 91 of the Public Health Act (7/2012), infected persons or persons suspected of infection are obliged to follow the instructions of relevant authorities. In instances of non-compliance, a case can be filed against violators at the Civil Court, for which a court order can be enforced by the police.

Furthermore, individuals found in violation of the regulations set forth by HPA under the state of public health emergency can be fined up to a maximum of MVR 1,000.

In addition to the curfew, HPA ordered all retail outlets and stores in Male', Vilimale' and Hulhumale' to remain closed between 2300 and 0600 hrs while cafes and restaurants in the region are instructed to stop providing takeaway services from 0000 to 1600 hrs. HPA also ordered the halt of construction work at sites in the greater Male' region from 1700 hrs to 0600 hrs.

Presently, Maldives records 19 confirmed and six active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 13 recoveries. While there are two confirmed cases of Maldivians, no local to local transmissions have been recorded.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The novel coronavirus has infected over 1,358,900 people and claimed over 75,896 lives around the world. However, out of those infected, more than 293,400 people have recovered.

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