By Ayya Lmahamad

Some 1,291 citizens have been fined for violating the strict quarantine regime that entered force on June 21, main traffic police department under the Ministry of Interior reported on June 23.

All 1,291 were fined according to Article 211.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences. Of them 1,029 were drivers who failed to follow the quarantine regime requirements and 262 were citizens not using facial masks in the public transport.

The fines are due to the special quarantine regime that will be in force until July 5 in the territories of Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Lankaran, Yevlakh, Masalli, Jalilabad and Absheron region. Residents are required to obtain SMS permits before leaving their place of residence during the two-week strict lockdown.

In the meantime, 175 cars who had sought to leave quarantined territories were returned in the direction of Baku, and 291 in the directions of the regions.

Earlier it was reported that 1,572 citizens were fined on June 22 for violating quarantine regime, and  635 drivers were fined during June 14-16 lockdown, as well as 2,524 drivers were fined during June 6-7 lockdown.

Azerbaijan first introduced quarantine regime on March 24, and on June 18 decision was taken to extend special quarantine regime until August 1.

On June 18, Cabinet of Ministers announced decision to impose a two-week strict quarantine regime.

Under the new lockdown rule, citizens are allowed to leave their place of residence only after obtaining SMS permissions.

Operation of shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, as well as museums, exhibition halls, sport and beaches was also suspended until July 5.