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568 establishments inspected in the latest round of mass inspection

Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has revealed 568 establishments have been inspected in the latest round of the mass public health inspection launched in the Greater Male’ Region.

The latest round of the mass public health inspection began on February 3, following a surge of COVID-19 cases in the capital. HEOC said 344 shops, 198 food outlets, 12 gyms and fitness centres, 10 salons and 4 marketplaces have been inspected in the latest round of the inspection.

Speaking at a press conference held at HEOC, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Hussain Zamir said 243 of the 568 establishments inspected in the latest round were operating in accordance to Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s guidelines. Zamir said 288 establishments were given a white notice after the first inspection, while 37 establishments were given a second notice after failing to correct the issues identified during the first inspection.

Establishments which violate HPA guidelines are fined USD 325 and USD 1,620 for the first two notices respectively. A third, fourth and fifth notice will lead to fines of USD 3,245, USD 4,870 and USD 6,490 respectively.

The current round of inspection focuses on hygiene and social distancing measures implemented in establishments. As such, the level of enforcement for wearing masks as well as arrangements made for handwashing and sanitization will be checked during the inspection.

The mass public health inspection is carried out by Health Protection Agency (HPA), in collaboration with Maldives Police Service (MPS), Ministry of Economic Development, Male’ City Council and Housing Development Corporation (HDC).