The government has introduced strict regulations that would
see people who intentionally infect others with Covid-19 prosecuted for
assault, attempted murder or even murder.
The regulations were gazetted late on Wednesday by
cooperative governance minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
The regulations, effective immediately, detailed when
people would be committing an offence or be liable for a penalty under the
national state of disaster.
If anyone disregards the government’s instructions to
prevent gatherings of more than 100 people or more than 50 people where alcohol
is served, they may face a fine, jail time or both.
The government is taking unprecedented measures to stop the
spread of Covid-19, which has been declared a global pandemic.
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The state of disaster, which lasts for three months or
longer if needed, suspends numerous rights and gives the government extended
powers to combat the spread of the virus.
“Any person who intentionally exposes another person to
Covid-19 may be prosecuted for an offence, including assault, attempted murder
or murder,” the regulation reads.
A person may be imprisoned for up to six months and face a
fine if they misrepresent being infected with Covid-19 and will be guilty of an
offence.
"Any person who (a) convenes a gathering; (b) permits
more than 50 persons at premises where liquor is sold and consumed, or (c)
hinders, interferes with, or obstructs an enforcement officer in the exercise
of his or her powers or the performance of his or her duties in terms of these
regulations is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, liable to a fine or to
imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and
imprisonment," states the regulation.
The government is further cracking the whip against anyone
who lies about being infected with the coronavirus.
“Any person who intentionally misrepresents that he, she or
any other person is infected with Covid-19 is guilty of an offence and on
conviction liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six
months or to both such fine and imprisonment,” it confirmed.
Law enforcement is also not sparing people who spread fake
news about Covid-19.
"Any person who publishes any statement, through any
medium, including social media, with the intention to deceive any other person
about (a) Covid-19, (b) Covid-19 infection status of any person, or (c) any
measure taken by the government to address Covid-19, commits an offence and is
liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six
months, or both such fine and imprisonment."
The health department announced on Wednesday that confirmed
cases in SA had reached 116, with eight new cases of local transmission. Times
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