Tougher sanctions as death toll zooms and thousands flout curfew
Nearly 12,000 people who have defied the government’s stay-at-home orders had been arrested by the early hours of Saturday, April 11. The mandatory round the clock curfew has been imposed to stop the spread of COVID 19 which has already infected, 3,234 people and taken the lives of 79 with 102 in critical condition in intensive care
On Good Friday when the Catholic community commemorated the crucifixion 797 people, men, women, and minors were caught on the street, defying orders to protect the lives of their fellow citizens including the most vulnerable elderly.
Meanwhile, hundreds of motorists armed with permits to travel to work or for “essential” journeys continue to flout the law and evade sanitary fences intended to stop the spread of the disease.
Authorities have reacted with tougher sanctions, including towing of vehicles and three months driving license suspension. For hardened flouters the immediacy of the towing is likely the best deterrent.
Pedestrians who continue break the curfew will have their desires fulfilled with community work cleaning the streets they seek to roam