BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 10, 2020– Despite the fact that members of the public are urged to do all they can to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which has been spiking and is now an issue of national concern, there has been an increase in the number of persons disobeying the protocols and ignoring both the practice of social distancing in public, and the requirement that they wear a mask to cover their faces and noses in public.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams announced that 147 persons have been arrested for various violations of these COVID-19-related regulations countrywide.

Of those arrested, 124 persons were arrested for failing to wear a mask whilst in public; 18 for breach of curfew; 2 for failing to practice social distancing; 1 for being unable to provide a reasonable explanation for movement outside curfew hours; 1 for failing to wear a mask or other face (mouth) covering on a public transport; and 1 for keeping a business establishment open when it should have been closed.

People are reminded that there is a stiff penalty for violation of the quarantine laws; if found guilty, a violator faces a $5,000 fine or 3 years imprisonment.

Members of the public are urged to assist in combating the COVID-19 virus by washing hands regularly, wearing a face mask in public, and practicing social distancing.