In a decree published in the newspaper “Le Moniteur” on Thursday, May 21, 2020, the administration of Jovenel Moïse gives itself the power to imprison, fine and or face community service to limit the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
More powers to the power in place. The government is not skimping on the means to force the population to change their behavior in the context of the fight against the coronavirus.
Where the government has failed in its communication, prevention, testing and other strategies, it attempts to compensate for it with repressive provisions.
According to Article 3 of the document adopted by the Council of Ministers, it is said that “any driver of a vehicle or transport equipment carries out disinfectant cleaning of the vehicle or transport equipment at least once a day. The vehicle or transport equipment is permanently ventilated.
The violation of these provisions by the driver is punishable by three thousand (3,000.00) gourdes fine, five (5) days imprisonment or fifteen (15) days of community service to be determined by the Municipal Council ” .
The government does not say how it will control, or how the cleanup should be done.
“The driver of a vehicle or transport equipment communicates to travelers hygiene and social distancing measures, called” barriers “, or any other measures necessary depending on the nature of the pandemic / epidemic, including in particular the obligation for travelers to wear a protective mask or personal protective equipment protecting at least the mouth and nose. The driver ensures that these measures are respected by travelers. In case of violation, he is liable to one of the penalties provided for in the third paragraph of article 3 “, stipulates article 4 of the decree.
The government does not say who will train the drivers or how we will control their “educational work”.Continue reading.