Gambian authorities have laid down the maximum fine of D1000 for not wearing face mask in public. 

On Friday the wearing of face mask in public became compulsory in the country as the government enacted new rules to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The new rules known as the Public Dangerous Infectious Diseases Protection Regulations replaces the State of Public Emergency regulation. 

Under the new rules it is an offence not to wearing face mask in public, the spreading of false messages on Covid-19, obstructing or attempting to obstruct  health officials from quarantining a person. 

At least 216 cases have been registered in the country since the virus emerged in March 2020. Six people have died so far as the cases of coronavirus rise. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba