352 people fined for violating COVID-19 restrictions

352 people were fined last Monday alone for violating the restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

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 04:00 hours.

Police and military have been deployed to enforce the restrictions, taking action against people who violate the mandatory mask order and the curfew order.

In a press conference by Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) on Monday, President’s spokesperson Mabrook Azeez said 217 people were fined for violating the curfew order and 135 people for violating the mandatory mask order on Monday alone.

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

Additional restrictions in place in the capital include closure of cafes, restaurants and teashops expect for takeaway and delivery services, and limited shop opening hours.

Mabrook said that three business establishments were penalized with temporary closure for violation of restrictions.

Maldives has seen a sharp a surge in both infection rate and fatalities in recent weeks.

Maldives has 45,956 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,433 new cases recorded on Monday. 28,849 patients have since recovered, while 103 have died from complications. Over 20 fatalities were recorded this May alone.

The country currently has 16,997 active cases. 268 of the patients are hospitalized.