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Individuals violating lockdown will be fined, quarantined: Police

Shahudha Mohamed
15 April 2020, MVT 21:14
Head of Central Policing Command Ismail Naveen speaking at Wednesday's press briefing. PHOTO: MIHAARU
Shahudha Mohamed
15 April 2020, MVT 21:14

Maldives Police Service (MPS) announced on Wednesday that strict measures will be implemented against those violating the terms of the 24-hour lockdown enforced in response to the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the capital on Wednesday morning.

Speaking at a press conference held in the evening, Head of Central Policing Command, Ismail Naveen announced that those violating lockdown regulations will either be handed a fine of MVR 1000, or transferred to a quarantine facility for 14 days.

Police said that officers will routinely question people on the road, and advised all residents to carry proof of identification with them at all times.

Authorities also requested institutions to minimise the number of on-site staff, to reduce the number of people out on the streets.

"This is not a test. Employers need to come up with ways to manage with minimal staff. Institutions have managed well with fewer employees before as well. We will have to adjust to that change", Naveen said.

He also noted that employment cards will not suffice as a permit for going out, adding that an authorized permit will be required to leave home.

Moreover, food outlets already granted permission to carry out deliveries can do so from 1900hrs to 0000hrs. Police stated that updates on food delivery services will be provided on Thursday.

Special permits required for vehicles and delivery services will according to police, be granted upon emailing the request to [email protected].

Moreover, Police confirmed that Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) will not provide their trash collection services during the 24hr lockdown period.

Individuals that need to go out to purchase an essential item during the lockdown are required to call a hotline, 3034444 and register themselves at the NEOC police cluster and seek permission before going out.

Police also stated that there was no plan to deploy more police personnel out for street patrolling, and urged everyone to stay home.

In addition, police confirmed that arrangements were underway to provide designated lodging for policemen on duty, a measure taken to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to their family members at home.

Naveen went on to note that the police had taken measures to prepare for the worst-case scenario, adding that necessary items were already procured.

"We have listed the items, including body bags that we will need in the most dangerous scenario. Gloves and masks too", he said, assuring that the authorities were well prepared.

Maldives now has 21 confirmed and five active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 16 recoveries.

The World Health Organization has classified the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The novel coronavirus has infected over two million people and claimed over 128,008 lives around the world. However, out of those infected, more than 492,016 people have recovered.

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