The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has revealed that 10 offices have been checked through the mass public health inspection conducted to ensure Covid-19 safety guidelines and instructions are being adhered to at offices.
Dr. Nazla Rafeeq, the center’s spokesperson told press on Monday night that the inspection in being carried out collaboratively with Health Protection Agency (HPA), Maldives Police Service (MPS), Malé City Council and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
Although most of the offices inspected on Monday were adhering to guidelines in general, there were some issues noted by the inspection teams including social distancing violations.
Further, authorities also noted that some offices providing services to the public have failed to put up signs that enforce the use of face masks as well as social distancing and other precautionary measures.
The public health authority has publicized a list of guidelines to be followed by offices and should they have inquiries, Nazla urged them to contact HPA for further information.
The office inspection programme began on October 25.
These inspections are part of the government’s efforts to ensure that Covid-19 safety guidelines and instructions are being adhered to by the general public, government and private offices as well as public transport systems which will be randomly inspected.
The purpose of the inspection is to ensure adherence to Covid-19 safety guidelines at cafés, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, salons and markets, offices and public spaces. Establishments that provide services to the people were opened for services during the third phase of lockdown easing, which began on July 1.
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 public health inspections are also being carried out in residential islands.
