Police get ticket books for no-mask offences

National Security Minister Stuart Young has warned people they could now be fined for not wearing a face covering in public, as the police received the ticket books for the new legislation on Friday.

The Public Health Regulations, 2020, say a face covering must be worn in public or the police could fine those “without reasonable excuse” and over the age of eight $1,000 for the first infraction, $2,000 for the second, and $3,000 for the third.

In addition, only people travelling alone in a vehicle are allowed to do so without a face covering.

Speaking at the Health Ministry’s virtual press conference on Saturday, Young said he was glad to see more people wearing masks recently.

This echoed Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, who said he was happy the country was having conversations about masks so that their use could sink into the psyche of the general public.

However, he reminded people that, according to the legislation, masks were not the only protection that could be used. Face shields and face coverings were also acceptable in different situations, as long as they cover the nose, mouth and chin.

For example, while travelling in a vehicle or vessel, people can use face masks or shields. In a public space, masks, shields, and face coverings are allowed. This means that asthmatic people, those who exercise, and others who do not or cannot wear a mask can be out in public while using face shields.

“It is not a regulation to force you to wear a mask," Deyalsingh explained. "It is a regulation that guides behaviour to cover your face.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram said people who could not wear a face covering of any kind for medical reasons should visit a physician who would issue a letter to say so. He said they should keep the letter indicating the reason why they cannot wear a face covering on them in the event they were stopped by the police.