95 fined for traveling without permits in violation of HPA guidelines

A large group of individuals has been fined for violating guidelines set for against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that a total of 95 individuals were fined after they travelled to Anbaraa island in Vaavu atoll, without the required authorization from public health authorities, on Thursday night.

The group of 95 had travelled to the popular picnic spot, from capital Malé City.

The police institution revealed that the vessel the group used for transportation was used in over-capacity.

MPS has launched further investigations into the matter and affirmed that they will be taking necessary actions.

The police institution appealed on the public to adhere to the HPA guidelines enforced as a safeguard against the ongoing pandemic, in order to do their part as responsible citizens to stop the Covid-19 transmission across the island nation.

In accordance to new measures implemented across the country in early March, Malé City residents are required to attain special permission for travel. Residents of the capital are also required to provide negative PCR results with a sample taken 72 hours prior to traveling to residential islands.

Authorities tightened Covid-19 restrictions and extended measures in place in order to curb the spread of the virus in Malé City and outlying atolls, on March 5, at a time daily infections have been snowballing and public health authorities have been raising concern over the mounting caseload.

Authorities reintroduced a curfew in the Greater Malé Region on February 12, in light of the spike in daily infections being reported for the past couple of weeks. The nearly six-hour curfew was followed by restrictions on vehicle movement from 6pm to 6am for Greater Malé residents.

On Thursday, Maldives also extended the state of public health emergency for another month.