396 Quarantine law-breakers arrested in 24-hours: Police

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police arrested 396 people for the violation of quarantine regulations in a 24-hour window that ended on Tuesday morning (Jun. 22). "The police officers observed the conduct and behaviour of the people in public places, especially in places such as supermarkets and customer centres; some people were admonished," Police Spokesperson Senior DIG Ajith Rohana told News 1st. According to Senior DIG Ajith Rohana, legal action will be instituted against those who have violated the quarantine rules and regulations under the provisions of Section 04 & 05 of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance and the Penal Code. "Those who are found guilty of the charges could face fines of up to Rs. 10,000 or 06-months of rigorous imprisonment (or both). Therefore, the general public is kindly requested not to violate the quarantine rules and regulations," the Senior Deputy Police Chief stressed. Meanwhile, the Director-General of Health Services issued new COVID-19 guidelines valid for a period of 14 days with effect from the 21st of June to the 05th of July. The new guidelines were issued on Sunday (Jun. 20) regarding the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance provisions and the Gazette Notification published on the 15th of October 2020. "As per the powers vested in the Director-General of Health Services, the published guidelines become the law on the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Accordingly, if an individual violates the guidelines, he/ she will be considered as a COVID Law-Breaker and the police could arrest such individuals without a warrant and file charges under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance and the Penal Code," Police Spokesperson Senior DIG Ajith Rohana emphasized. Sri Lanka Police have deployed officers to ensure that the new COVID-19 health regulations are implemented across the country. To access the newly issued COVID-19 guidelines.