National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has revealed samples have been collected from 5 direct contacts of the captain of a boat which travelled from Male' City on April 15.
NEOC stated samples were collected from 5 direct contacts of the skipper after they developed COVID-19 symptoms. NEOC said the case could become a big cluster as the boat travelled to many islands, carrying 98 passengers aboard. The skipper has tested positive for COVID-19.
The boat transited in a number of islands on its way to Narudhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. The islands it visited include Maaungoodhoo, Feevah, Milandhoo, Goidhoo, Narudhoo in Shaviyani Atoll and Holhudhoo, Maafaru, Miladhoo, Kendhikulhudhoo and Velidhoo in Noonu Atoll. The boat also travelled to Hirimaradhoo and Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu, and Utheemu and Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alif. Additionally, the boat also transited in Goidhoo and Kendhoo in Baa Atoll.
NEOC has called on the public to share information if a person in the islands presents COVID-19 symptoms. NEOC stated contact tracing is ongoing in the islands after placing the islands under monitoring.