Over 800 fined for breaching face mask mandate

Over 800 individuals have been fined not wearing face masks, since it was made compulsory in public as part of the work to control the Covid-19 spread.

At Saturday night’s Covid-19 briefing, the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) announced that a total of 884 individuals have been fined for breaching the mask mandate.

41 individuals were fined within 24 hours, while 21 were let go with a warning.

While first offenders are let go with a warning, repeat offenders face a MVR 1,000 fine.

Those exempt from wearing face masks are children below two years of age, individuals out for physical exercise as well those seeking services at food outlets.

While face masks were made mandatory from August 1, authorities were forced to reintroduce a curfew in the capital as the country saw a surge in Covid-19 cases after entering the third phase on lockdown easing in July, on August 4. Officials said that this was done so as to avoid returning to a state of lockdown.

951 individuals have been fined for violating the curfew order, while 2,418 were let go with a warning.

Authorities on Saturday announced the decision to strengthen Covid-19 safety measures, including a ban on vehicle movement from 8pm to 5am.