MORE than 800 face mask violators were hit with fines last week as part of intensified inspections to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Community police and support staff are continuing to patrol the country to reinforce the measures introduced to protect the public and encourage social distancing.
The latest figures indicate that more than 100 people have been fined BD5 daily across the country with around BD122,000 collected in fines.
“A total of 24,543 face mask violations at public places and shops were registered since the enforcement of the order,” said Public Security assistant chief for operations and training affairs Brigadier General Dr Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.
“The various concerned departments have organised 2,751 awareness campaigns in the four governorates and registered 5,768 violations related to the rule of social distancing.”
Statistics shared by the ministry once again showed that for the second week in a row the maximum number of face mask violations was recorded in the Muharraq Governorate.
Authorities announced on September 6 that they registered 5,974 face mask violations, while yesterday they said that number has risen to 6,249 in the Muharraq Governorate.
The department also organised 1,092 awareness campaigns.
The Northern Governorate Police Directorate reported 1,548 violations related to the rule of social distancing while 5,577 people were fined for not wearing masks at public places, according to Brig Gen Dr Shaikh Hamad.
Furthermore, 560 awareness campaigns were conducted targeting both Bahrainis and expats.
The Capital Governorate carried out 714 awareness campaigns as it registered 4,015 face mask violations. It also took 370 steps to maintain social distancing.
“The Southern Governorate Police Directorate educated citizens and residents by implementing 385 campaigns,” said Brigadier General Dr Shaikh Hamad.
“It registered 3,415 mask violations, while 2,327 measures were taken to maintain social distancing.”
The Public Security Directorate operations department sent patrol units to various parts of the kingdom which registered 5,190 mask violations.
The official further stated the General Directorate of Ports Security reported 97 mask-related violations and carried out operations to facilitate the evacuation of 18,217 travellers from Bahrain, along with testing of 84,345 travellers arriving from abroad.
Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Civil Defence carried out 72,424 disinfection campaigns at government buildings and facilities and roads.
The wearing of face masks in public places and shops has been mandatory since April. The only exceptions are while exercising or travelling inside vehicles.
The GDN reported last week that a group of MPs proposed a BD20 fine instead of the existing BD5 as part of tougher penalties for flouting face mask regulations.
Awareness campaigns have been stepped up with a surge in Covid-19 cases in the past week – more than 4,800 new active cases were registered from September 7 until yesterday.
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