Ticketing system introduced to deal with COVID-19 protocol breaches

A ticketing system has been introduced to deal with people who breach the COVID-19 protocols.

Under the new Emergency Management Directive, 2022, a fixed penalty notice can be issued for not wearing a face mask in a public building, public place, or while travelling on a public service vehicle or other public transport, whether as a driver, conductor or passenger.

Under the Directive, a member of the Police Service may inform an individual that “if he does not wish to be prosecuted for the alleged offence in court, he may pay to the Magistrate’s Court in the district in which the offence was committed, the fixed penalty of $100”.

The fixed penalty is payable within 14 days from the date of the notice.

If the money is not paid, the individual will be charged and dealt with according to the law, and will be liable to the penalty specified in paragraph 32 of the Directive.

Paragraph 32 states that anyone who contravenes the Directive or fails to comply with any protocol specified by the Chief Medical Officer of the Unit, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of one year or to both.

It should be noted that individuals with reasonable explanation may be exempted from wearing of masks under specific conditions as outlined under Paragraph 21 (8), for example, by reason of any medical, physical; or mental illness or disability when exercising, taking medication, and eating or drinking, among other listed provisions.

The new Directive is for the period April 14th – 30th, 2022.

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