Govt. to tighten penalties against COVID guideline violators

• The present fine of Rs.5,000 for guideline violators to be increased

By Sheain Fernandopulle

The Government has decided to implement stringent measures against those who violate health guidelines recently issued by the Director-General of Health Services. 

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi addressing a gathering last morning said they had observed some people violating guidelines in the aftermath of lifting travel restrictions in the country.  

“We are taking steps to file cases against such individuals and institutions. Otherwise, the whole country would be at stake due to the offences committed by a few individuals,” she said.  

“The fines in operation at present for guideline violators is Rs.5000. We will not hesitate to increase it to even Rs.50,000 in a bid to curb COVID-19,” the Health Minister stressed.  

“I have instructed the Inspector General of Police to be very strict on those who go against the given guidelines,” she added.  

Health Minister Wanniarachchi said they were confident that the Government had the potential to successfully combat the virus and return the country to complete normalcy.