Health Protection Agency (HPA) has closed another 40 establishments in the Greater Male' Region for violating safety guidelines.
The agency has been conducting a mass public health inspection to ensure the establishments comply with the safety guidelines. As such, 40 establishments were closed upon inspection on August 1, including 14 shops, 16 food outlets, 9 salons and a market.
Spokesperson of the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said the establishments are given 24 hours to rectify the violations, after which it will be permitted to reopen if the issues have been addressed. She said a written notice will be fixed at the entrance of each establishment closed for violating the regulations although the names of the closed establishments are not publicised.
Furthermore, HPA has also mandated wearing masks in public in the Greater Male' Region, starting from August 1, as part of the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Spokesperson Nazla stated the first violation of the regulation will lead to a warning, while a repeat violation will result in a fine of USD 65. She revealed 116 people were issued warnings and four people were fined on the first day of enforcing the regulations.
HPA guidelines state 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.