Offenders in TRNC to be fined 382TL for failing to wear a mask and maintaining social distance

The amended Law on Contagious Diseases that will enforce stricter penalties for those disobeying rules and regulations aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the country has been signed into law by the president.

The amended law which was approved by parliament last week came into force after being signed by President Mustafa Akıncı and published in the official gazette. 

According to the amended law, those who fail to wear masks and maintain social distancing will be fined one tenth of the minimum wage which amounts to 382 Turkish Lira. 

-Breaking quarantine or self-isolation rules will constitute a crime and violators will be subject to pay five times the gross minimum wage or face one year in prison or both. All businesses, workplaces, establishments and employers are obligated by law to obey the rules and to take all necessary measures as instructed by the health ministry. 

According to the law, those who flout the rules will be fined one minimum wage and will have their business, establishment or venue closed for 24 hours. 

-Failure to pay the fines within 30 days will result in legal prosecution. If found guilty, violators will be fined up to six times the minimum wage or face one year in prison or both. 

The infectious diseases law also states that withholding information from health authorities on matters constituting a threat to public health will be recognized as a crime and will be punishable by a fine of up to five times the minimum wage or a one year prison sentence or both.

BRT