Addu City residents are to be fined if they are caught out on the streets at any time of the day for non-essential purposes.

This was revealed by the City Council via a statement on Saturday.

The statement notes that it is unsafe for residents of the city to go out unless for essential supplies and needs during these days and they are going against the instructions and safety measures set by the authorities, by doing so.

While evening rides are observed to increase during the ongoing fasting month of Ramadan every year, the council noted that it is unsafe for a mass number of people to be out on the streets these days.

As such, those found violating this order will be fined between MVR 500 – 5,000.

The City Council earlier ordered all shop owners to close their doors for services due to the growing Covid-19 situation, as a safety measure. In addition, praying in congregation as well as restaurant services have been halted.

The city’s Mayor, Abdulla Sodig earlier told RaajjeMV that the city has been preparing for the Covid-19 outbreak since March and that a Covid-19 emergency center has been established since.

They are working to ensure that the disease does not spread among the community, said Sodig.