While there were a few hours between the expiry of the last lockdown order and issuance of a new one, in the capital, all police fines issued during this period have been invalidated.

The lockdown order extension was issued on Thursday night, while the last one expired the same day. Hence, there have been questions on whether authorities can penalize individuals during this period.

One of the people that raised questions over the matter is South-Mahchangoalhi constituency MP Ahmed Haitham, who stressed that “there has been clear misinformation and doubts due to the time being uninformed”.

Retweeting the lawmaker’s tweet, Assistant Police Commissioner Dr. Abdulla Fairoosh stated that “all tickets issued during this period have been invalidated”.

The greater Malé region was placed on lockdown on April 15, following the confirmation of a Covid-19 community transmission. After 40 days of full lockdown, authorities began easing restrictions in late May. While the first phase of the ease plan started on May 29, the second phase is to begin on June 15.

During the second phase, people will be allowed to go outdoors without permits, from 5am to 9:30pm. Public gatherings of more than three people will still be prohibited during the second phase of lockdown easing, despite the decision to reopen parks and public spaces.

Authorities declared a state of public health emergency on March 12, days after the confirmation of the country’s first Covid-19 cases from a resort, which has since been extended thrice, with the last extension to remain until June 29.