Breaking COVID-19 rules is still an offence

IT IS STILL AN OFENCE TO BREACH THE COVID-19 RULES Health Minister, Dr.
Frank Anthony warns. Anthony reiterated in a public statement that anyone breaching the health-
protecting protocols will face prosecution if caught.
“For you to come out of home isolation, you need to be cleared by one of the doctors in your
region. So, generally, once you’ve tested positive, you wait for about 10 days, after those 10
days, once you don’t exhibit (any) signs or symptoms over the last two, then you can be
discharged. Some people observe it in a very strict manner, others don’t do that,” Dr. Anthony
said.
“Under the orders, we have specified that if you are not obeying these rules, then you can be
prosecuted,” the health minister cautioned.
He said ignoring the COVID-19 rules can cause spikes in cases which lead to hospitalisation and
death.
“If they’re not observing it [home isolating], then we can easily have more spreads. If people are
irresponsible, and don’t abide by the rules, then we’ll have an increase in spread.”
According to Section 16 of the Official Gazette published on September 4, any person who tests
positive for Coronavirus and is identified for quarantine shall; (a) comply with all applicable
directions given and requirements imposed by the Health Emergency Operations Centre,
including home isolation or quarantine or placement in an isolation or quarantine facility; and
(C) not knowingly expose themselves, without proper or necessary precautions against spreading
the Coronavirus in any public place or to any person.
Institutional isolation is still available in all 10 Regions for anyone who is unable to isolate
in their homes, Minister Anthony reminded.