The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has brought changes to its guideline on isolation and quarantine facilities, introducing violation fees.

The amendment, published on the government gazette on Sunday, notes that all are required to comply with quarantine and isolation orders, and provide full cooperation in the work to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Noting that violations have been declared an offense, HPA said that it now carries fines of up to MVR 5,000; first-time violators stand to face a MVR 2,500 fine, second-time violators a MVR 3,500 fine, while three-time or repeat violators could will receive a MVR 5,000 fines for every violation.

The change to the guidelines comes amid a surge in daily Covid-19 cases, which has led to an increase in patients admitted at hospitals as well as taken to facilities for further monitoring.

While the country has confirmed 7,667 Covid-19 cases thus far, there are 1,486 people in isolation facilities.

Guest houses and resort islands have been used for Covid-19 quarantine and isolation purposes.