HPA to initiate mass inspection of offices, public transport systems

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced plans to conduct a mass inspection of government officers, private offices, and public transport systems in the greater Male’ region.

In a statement on Thursday evening, HPA announced that the mass inspection will begin on Sunday, September 20.

The inspections will be random, and check for compliance with health safety guidelines issued by HPA in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

HPA said that in addition to the inspection of offices and public transport systems, they will also be conducting an additional round of the mass inspection of business establishments such as shops, cafes and restaurants, salons, gyms, and markets.

Business establishments found in violation of the guidelines will be penalized with a minimum 48-hour closure of the establishment if it’s the first violation, a minimum 72-hour closure of the establishment and a MVR 1,000 fine if it’s the second violation, and a minimum five-day closure of the establishment and a MVR 1,000 fine of it’s the third violation.

HPA had closed 258 business establishments found in violation of guidelines during its mass inspection in August.

HPA has stated that maintaining health safety measures in business establishments that provide services to the public is crucial to curb the spread of the disease.

Maldives has 9,494 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 67 new cases recorded this Thursday. Out of the 67 new cases, 62 were identified from Male’ region, while the remaining five were identified from the atolls.