Those who do not wear a mask will be fined in TRNC

The TRNC Ministry of Health has announced that it has decided to implement new measures on masks and social distance rules, with effect from Wednesday, December, 23.

According to article 36, section 45/2018 of the Infectious Diseases Law, a decision valid as of 23.12.2020 has been adopted for new measures concerning the rule on wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. 

Individuals violating the decisions will be subject to legal prosecution. The implementation of the following rules is mandatory: 

1. Wearing masks 

All individuals must wear masks in closed spaces or in open/semi-open areas where social distancing (1.5m) is not possible. Individuals who fail to comply with this rule will be subject under article 36, section 45/2018 of the Infectious Diseases Law to pay a fine up 1/10 of the monthly minimum wage. 

2. Maintaining social distancing 

All individuals (for the exception of same household members) have to practice social distancing (minimum 1.5m) in open or open/semi-open areas as of 23.12.2020. Individuals who fail to comply with this rule will be subject under article 36, section 45/2018 of the Infectious Diseases Law to pay a fine up 1/10 of the monthly minimum wage. 

3. Wearing masks and practising social distancing in public spaces 

According to sub-section 3 of section 45/2018, article 36 of the Infectious Diseases Law, all relevant authorities and management of entertainment venues, establishments, businesses and event organizers in public spaces are legally obligated to implement and ensure the implementation of the rules of wearing masks and the practice of social distancing as well as take all necessary measures to ensure the implementation of these rules. 

Those who fail to comply will be subject to a fine equivalent to one gross minimum wage and will have their establishments/operations shut down for 24 hours. All organizations and events will be immediately ceased. 

“Public spaces” refers to hotels, motels, dormitories or accommodation facilities and/or areas such as shopping malls, centres, cinema theatres and schools.