742 people fined for violating COVID-19 restrictions

742 people have been fined over the last 24 hours for violating the restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldivian capital.

An alarming surge in COVID-19 cases has resulted in strengthening of restrictions in the greater Male’ area, including a curfew from 16:00 to 08:00 hours, and a ban on going out unless with a permit even during non-curfew hours.

In a press conference by Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) on Saturday evening, President’s spokesperson Mabrook Azeez said 507 people were fined for violating the curfew order and 175 people for violating the mandatory mask order over the last 24 hours alone.

The fine for violation of both the mask order and the curfew order is MVR 1,000.

Meanwhile, 60 people were fined in relation to inhouse services at business establishments such as cafes, shops and salons.

Cafés, tea shops and restaurants are only allowed to provide delivery services.

Police and military troops have been deployed to enforce the restrictions.