Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is hopeful that those who have consistently disregarded the advice to wear a mask as a precaution against COVID-19, will have a change in heart as he anticipates the mandatory wearing of masks to become legislation by next Monday.

At a press briefing on Saturday, hosted while the Senate simultaneously sat debating the Bill to amend the Public Health Ordinance, Dr. Rowley said the State will not, at this time, introduce any further restrictions on movement. 

The existing restrictions, however, such as in-housing dining, beaches and rivers being banned, remain in effect. 

Addressing the debate on the legislation, which seeks to introduce a $1000 fine for first offenders found without a mask with a subsequent $2000 and $5000 for second and third offences, Dr. Rowley dismissed critics who questioned how the law would be enforced.

See a snippet of the PM’s address below: (Video Courtesy State Media, TTT Live Online)