75 individuals fined for violating Addu curfew: Police

Police at a checkpoint after lockdown and a curfew was announced in Addu City| Photo: PSM

Addu City, Maldives – At a press conference tonight, Commander of the South Police Division Ameen Abdul Gayoom has revealed that theft 75 individuals have been fined for violating Addu curfew.

13 of these individuals were fined just last night, according to the commander, bringing the total of fined individuals to 75.

He also revealed that theft increased substantially on the 8th and 9th of this month. With 9 thefts reported on the 8th, and an alarming 12 thefts reported on the 9th. The Burglaries usually occurred between 2:00 – 5:00 in the morning according to Police.

While revealing that 7 people have been arrested and fined in connection to these thefts, Commander Ameen advised the public to remain vigilant of their belongings, to not keep cash in shops when closing for the day, and to keep cash safe.

An increase in reported domestic issues was also seen during curfew hours, as individuals usually not at home were forced to do so, according to Commander Ameen, who added that Police are investigating these cases.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) announced yesterday that the curfew imposed in Addu City from 20:00 to 04:00 will be further extended for an additional week. 

The curfew was imposed on February 10, 2021 after positive cases were recorded in Addu City on February 6, 2020. A cluster was identified on February 6, after two participants of a training held by Aviation Security Command consulted the flu clinic after becoming symptomatic, and were subsequently tested, which resulted in the samples testing positive for Covid-19

During curfew times, going out in public and the operation of any vehicles on the road is prohibited. Further restrictions imposed by HPA also stated that going out in groups of more than 3 is also not allowed under the new guidelines, and that when out, masks are always mandatory in the region.