As the new regulation bans vehicles from the streets of Male’ City from 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., Maldives Police Service has said that the vehicles that violate the regulation will be towed.

Speaking at the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) last night, Spokesperson of the HEOC, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said that the decision to ban vehicles at those hours were made reduce the hours people are in public in an attempt to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases in the city.

And so, it would be illegal to drive any vehicle on the streets of Male’ CIty, VIlimale’ and Hulhumale’ between 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Regarding the measures to uphold the new regulation, the Chief Superintendent of Police, Abdulla Shareef said that motorists would receive a warning on the first offence and fines on repeat offence and continual repeat offences would result in towing the vehicle.

He said that both the driver and the vehicle would face fines for violations and with the regulation in effect, shop owners and staff would have to walk back home after closing stores at 9:30 p.m. as there would be no exception or special permits to allow any driving.

The only exceptions to the regulation are emergency services, law enforcement and national security forces. Although, those going to the mosque and going to hospital on emergency would receive exception.