Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Maldives rises to 52, including 31 cases reported from Male' City.
Samples of an additional 13 individuals; MAV037, MAV038, MAV039, MAV040, MAV041, MAV042, MAV043, MAV044, MAV045, MAV046, MAV047, MAV048, MAV049 have tested positive for COVID-19, according to HPA. All 13 individuals are Bangladesh nationals linked to an existing cluster of case MAV27. Earlier in the day, HPA reported samples taken from a Bangladesh national, MAV036, via a flu clinic also tested positive for COVID-19. Therefore, the number of Bangladeshi nationals who tested positive for COVID-19 is at 15.
Furthermore, samples collected from two Indian nationals, MAV050 and MAV051, also tested positive for COVID-19. HPA said all individuals will be transferred to an isolation facility. Efforts are underway to establish links with MAV036, MAV050, MAV051, according to HPA.
Meanwhile, HPA said samples from a Maldivian national in Uligamu, Haa Alifu Atoll also tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first case identified from an island outside Male' City. The island has been placed under monitoring by HPA.
With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Male' City, the number of cases in the Maldives has risen to 52. Prior to the outbreak in the capital city, COVID-19 cases were reported from resorts, safaris, and individuals who have travelled to the Maldives from abroad and are undergoing the 14-day mandatory quarantine period.
So far, 16 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 in the Maldives, with a further 17 Maldivians and 17 foreigners undergoing treatment in the country and 2 foreigners undergoing treatment abroad.
Details of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Male’ City:
- April 15, 2020 – 2 Maldivian
- April 16, 2020 – 1 Maldivians
- April 17, 2020 – 5 Maldivians
- April 18, 2020 – 6 Maldivians and 1 Bangladeshi
- April 19, 2020 – 1 Maldivian, 14 Bangladeshis, and 2 Indians
National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) is conducting contact tracing of all individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 in the capital city. NEOC has asked to inform HPA if an individual is known to have contact with the positive cases and to seek medical attention if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
HPA has revealed it will be requesting information for contact tracing either through official social media accounts or via the relevant government procedures in place urging the public to stay. HPA has thanked the public for the continuous support received thus far.