550 individuals were fined for breaching the face mask mandate between August 22 to September 4 alone.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) confirmed that a total of 550 individuals were fined within the period, where 1,143 were let go after issuing a warning.

In late July, authorities made it mandatory to wear face masks in public spaces following an announcement by the President’s Office, in order to help authorities’ control and contain the spread of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Only children below the age of two, those seeking services at food outlets and individuals out for physical activities such as running and exercising, are exempt from the mandate.

On August 1, police began enforcing the mandate strictly and those caught violating the mandate will be fined by MVR 1,000.

Authorities imposed a seven-hour curfew in the Greater Malé Region on August 4, effective between 10pm and 5am as part of the stricter measures being introduced in light of the rising cases of the global pandemic in the Maldives, which has left a wave of concern in its wake. This was followed by an additional movement restriction on vehicles, from 8pm to 5am.

Although Covid-19 cases have been reported lower than 100 in recent days, the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has urged the public to strictly adhere to safety guidelines to ensure their safety as well as that of others.