Health Protection Agency (HPA) has decided to impose fines up to USD 6,500 for individuals and legal entities violating the health and safety guidelines set amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
HPA has formulated a revised policy on punishing individuals who go against the instructions of HPA amid the State of Public Health Emergency. As per the revised policy, an individual who obstructs or refuses to comply with the HPA guidelines will be fined USD 65 for the first offence, USD 230 for the second offence, USD 485 for the third offence and USD 650 for every subsequent offence.
Meanwhile, legal entities violating HPA guidelines will be fined USD 325 for the first offence, USD 1,625 for the second offence and USD 3,250 for the third offence. A fourth offence will result in a fine of USD 4,870 and any subsequent offence will result in a fine of USD 6,500.
Furthermore, HPA has also granted the authority to impose the largest possible fine on any individual deemed to have committed a dangerous violation of HPA guidelines that puts the community at risk. As such, individuals who are quarantined after contracting COVID-19 or showing COVID-19 like symptoms and violate the quarantine order can be handed a fine of USD 6,500.
HPA states the revised policy will be enforced by the Maldives Police Service (MPS). HPA states the policy will be in effect until 60 days after the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted.