Removal of masks to smoke on streets not permitted: HEOC

Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) has stated the removal of masks to smoke on streets is not permitted.

After mandating facial masks due to an influx of COVID-19 positive cases in the country, the government has set a USD 65 fine on individuals who violate the order. HEOC said the guidelines to wear masks in public ban people from smoking on streets as it requires the removal of face masks.

An average of 30 COVID-19 cases were reported daily during the first few weeks after ease of restrictions by the government. However, the number has since increased with over 500 testing positive for COVID-19 during the past week. The current numbers are worrisome, as the Maldives had recorded its first 500 cases within 56 days.