The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is strongly encouraging the wearing of masks, reminding the public that it is a criminal offence to negligently engage in activities that could cause the spread of any infectious or contagious disesase.

The release referred to section 291 Chapter 171 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines, 2009, which states “Any person who unlawfully or negligently does any act which he knows, or has reason to believe, to be likely to cause the spread of any infectious or contagious disease, is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for one year.”

The RSVGPF further informs that the police have the power to enforce this piece of legislation and will, if it becomes necessary so to do. Consequently, the RSVGPF strongly encourages all persons to wear a facemask.

The release also commended citizens who have been complying with the COVID-19 protocols that have been implemented by the Government of SVG to combat and contain the spread of the coronavirus in the multi-island state.

The RSVGPF noted that while the vast majority of persons have been wearing a facemask as advised by the authorities, there are those who chose not to; especially some conductors working on public omnibuses.

The RSVGPF therefore strongly encouraged all citizens, including omnibus drivers, conductors and passengers to wear a facemask in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

The coronavirus is highly contagious and very deadly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus has alreadly killed over two million persons globally, including two persons in SVG.