Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated action will be taken against individuals who do not wear masks in public, starting from August 1.
HPA has mandated wearing masks in public in the Greater Male' Region, as part of efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. MPS revealed frontline officers will be monitoring public compliance to the HPA guidelines and taking action on individuals breaching the guidelines. As such, MPS noted individuals who do not wear masks in public can be fined USD 65.
According to the HPA guidelines, the masks must fully cover the nose, mouth and chin, and must be worn at all times when out in public. Children under the age of two, individuals who are running or exercising and individuals who cannot wear or take off masks without assistance are exempted from the rule.
Further, MPS has also decided to monitor the movement restrictions more closely, as the number of Maldivians contracting COVID-19 is increasing by the day. As such, MPS stated action will be taken on individuals found outside between 2300hrs and 0500hrs without an essential purpose.
The Maldives has seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, with over 500 cases reported this week alone.