National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has confirmed there is a possibility of community spread in Narudhoo, Shaviyani Atoll after a boat captain who tested positive for COVID-19 is likely to have had a significant number of primary contacts.
Speaking at the daily press briefing held at the NEOC, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) stated contact tracing revealed the captain had a large number of primary contacts. He further said several protective and preventive measures are currently in place in Narudhoo, considering a possible community spread.
An additional 9 individuals from 113 direct contacts of the boat captain have been confirmed positive for COVID-19. Speaking at the press conference, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said 8 of the 9 individuals who tested positive from the cluster belonged to Narudhoo, while the other individual is from Milandhoo in the same atoll.
The boat carried 98 people from Male' City to Narudhoo after transiting in a number of other islands. Following the report of the case, contact tracing had been conducted in Utheeemu and Dhihdhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Hirimaradhoo, and Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Kendhoo, Baa Atoll. NEOC has announced the islands have been put under monitoring by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Noting the case could lead to a significant cluster of contacts in the country, Dr. Afzal urged all passengers who travelled on the boat to report to the NEOC or the health authorities should they show any symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, he called the public to be truthful when providing information to NEOC.
Meanwhile, President of the Uligan Island Council Ahmed Muaz Mohamed said all samples taken from the island have tested negative for COVID-19. The council president said samples were taken from 18 direct contacts of the individual who tested positive for COVID-19 on the island. Uligan reported the first case in the atolls on April 19 when an individual who travelled from Male' City tested positive for COVID-19. The island in Haa Alifu Atoll is still placed under monitoring by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).