National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has stated the number of direct contacts has decreased after the lockdown in the Greater Male' region.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) stated most individuals tested positive following direct contacts with other positive individuals. She said Health Protection Authority (HPA) is screening all direct contacts after contact tracing, adding limiting contacts will reduce further transmission of COVID-19.
Citing information gathered by HPA, Dr. Nazla said the number of direct contact cases has reduced since the lockdown was announced on April 17. The TAG member further called on the public to be patient and follow instructions from the authorities in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
Stating the authorities are working to reduce the number of positive cases in the country, Dr. Nazla said it can only be achieved if people stay indoors to reduce contacts. Additionally, she said the top priority of HPA is tracing and screening direct contacts of all positive cases.
Dr. Nazla called on the public to cooperate with the authorities in efforts to contain COVID-19 in the Maldives.