Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has revealed 73 individuals have been fined for not wearing masks in public.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of the HEOC Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said 272 individuals were advised to wear masks, while 52 individuals were fined on August 3. She said in total 642 people have been advised and 73 individuals have been fined since August 1 for not wearing masks in public.
HPA has mandated wearing masks in public in the Greater Male' Region, as part of the efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. 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.
The Maldives has seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks with over 500 cases reported in the past three days.