The government have submitted a Public Health Emergency 2020 Bill designed to increase fines to COVID-19 related outbreaks.

The new bill was designed by the Attorney Generals Office which was design to accommodate guidelines to deal with people whom violate the order of Director General of Public Health order.

New bill states citizen could be fined with a range of MVR 5,000 – MVR 10,000 depending on the severity of the violation. The bill also has a fine range of MVR 10,000 to MVR 10,0000 for legal entities depend on the severity.

The bill would also provide special power to the police to enforce the law. The special authorise given by the police would allow them cease the action in question and fine the violator on the spot. The bill also gives police power to arrest anyone whom violate the order at any given time.

According to the bill drafted the law would remain in effect for 60 day period till the public health emergency is lifted.

The Maldives has been in a state of emergency since the since March 11. Since then the number of cases has seemed to be growing daily.