A mass public health inspection is to be launched in the Greater Malé Region, on Sunday.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) made the announcement via a publication on Thursday, which reads that government and private offices as well as public transport systems in the Greater Malé Region will be randomly inspected under the programme.

The inspection is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that Covid-19 safety guidelines and instructions are being adhered to by the general public.

Further, the authority revealed that another round of the mass public health inspection programmes held earlier, will be launched the same day.

Without any exemptions, all businesses providing services to the general public will be inspected and those found in breach of the Covid-19 safety guidelines for the first time, will be closed down for 48 hours. They will be granted approval to resume services 48 hours after closing if they amend the issues noticed.

Establishments will be closed down if they are found in violation of the guidelines for a second time which will bring about a MVR 1,000 fine as well. Establishments violating guidelines for a second time will be authorized to open once a 72-hour period lapses.

A MVR 1,000 fine will be imposed on those caught in violation for a third time and they will be shut down for a period of five days.

The first inspection was carried out on July 12 and it was followed by a second one from July 29 to August 8. The government announced a third on August 23. Over 100 business establishments were shut down after giving instructions to strengthen their safety measures, in all programmes.

The purpose of the inspection is to ensure adherence to Covid-19 safety guidelines at cafés, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, salons and markets. All these places were opened for services during the third phase of lockdown easing, which began on July 1.