Legislation to allow on-the-spot fines for breaches of Covid-19 safety rules will be debated in less than two weeks.

The legislation, tabled by Kim Wilson, the health minister, will allow police officers who see an offence to issue public health penalty tickets.

Offenders will not have to admit breaches to be ticketed.

Police officers will be empowered to stop and question people believed to be in breach, to check their identity and whether they are in compliance with restrictions against Covid-19.

Refusal to co-operate with police will carry a potential fine of $3,000.

But, if fines were paid inside 28 days, a criminal conviction will not be recorded.

The Public Health Amendment (No. 2) Act was tabled last Friday and will be debated by MPs on June 18.

The Commissioner of Police will determine the form of the penalty and publish it on the Bermuda Police Service website.