Namibia to fine or imprison citizens not wearing masks in public places

WINDHOEK,

The Namibia government will fine or imprison those who do not wear a mask in public places following the commencement of the country's stage 2 of the COVID-19 lockdown exit plan on Tuesday.

The government in further updates to lockdown stage 2 requirements and guidelines on Tuesday said during the specified period every person must wear a mask in a public place.

"An authorized officer may instruct a person who is not wearing a mask to wear a mask or to leave the public place," the directive said.

According to the updates, a person who refuses to comply with an instruction commits an offense and on conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding 2000 Namibia dollars (about 111 U.S. dollars) or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the country's lockdown exit plan will be rolled out over four phases to allow the economy to function without compromising health of the public. (Xinhua)