Total 582 arrests made for lockdown violations

Police have said that a total of 582 were arrested in Male' City for lockdown violations. Other than 37, all have since been released.

Male’ City was placed under strict lockdown on April 15 after a community case was identified. Movement of people were restricted in a bid to control the virus. The lockdown measures have been gradually eased since then.

Speaking in a program of PSM, Chief Superintendent of Police Yoonus Sobah said that the cases of 312 individuals in violation of the lockdown order in Male’ City due to COVID-19 has now been sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office to be charged.

Yoonus said that public compliance and cooperation were very much observed during the lockdown order on the capital which holds the majority of the Maldivian population. 

“Cooperation from the public was very much received in following instructions. Many obeyed the lockdown order perfectly.” Said the Chief Superintendent.

During the strict lockdown, civilians were permitted outdoors with a special permit. If in violation of the order, a warning is issued in the first instance. On the second instance, a fine is levied while on the third instant, the individual in violation is arrested.

Even now, after the easements to the order, civilians are still prohibited from outdoors after 22:00.