Maldives Police Service have fined a local individual out on the road during the curfew-hour, currently exercised in Greater Male' Region.

The Maldives government earlier announced a 3-hour curfew on everyday, from 17:00hrs until 20:00hrs in efforts to quash possibilities of the viral pandemic COVID-19, spreading into mainland areas.

Local law enforcement confirms a total of 139 individuals which includes 122 locals and 17 expatrates, were halted by police and advised to remain indoors during curfew hours.

Moreover, police confirm 7 out of these individuals have been advised on a second time to remain indoors for the state imposed 3-hour curfew.

One of the individuals, was fined by authorities after repeatedly violating the curfew rule.

Police further commented individuals found in violation of the curfew will be fined with MVR1000 after the offense is repeated.

The 3-hour curfew became effective on Thursday, 02 April 2020.

Meanwhile, state has barred from public gathering of more than 03 people during specific hours while public transportation modes will remain paused during the curfew hours.

However, Health Protection Agency (HPA) of Maldives made exemptions for security authorities, on duty officials of legislature bodies, employees in health and medical center, duty staff (in uniform) of waste management.

In addition to this, in-uniform duty officials of Ooredoo, Dhiraagu, STO, STELCO, MWSC and banks.

Vehicles utilized for diplomats, ambulances, vehicles with permit from National Emergency Operation Center, staffs in pharmacies and their vehicles are permitted during the curfew.

Moreover, vehicles bearing stickers issued from HPA are exempted during the hours as well.