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HPA traces 3,825 contacts of COVID-19 patients

National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has revealed the Health Protection Authority (HPA) has traced a total of 3,825 contacts of COVID-19 patients in the Maldives.

Speaking at the daily press conference held at the NEOC, Spokesperson Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said currently 260 places are under monitoring, while the monitoring on Utheemu and Dhihdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Kendhoo, Baa Atoll, and Dharuma Boat has been lifted. Mabrook said 7,700 samples from a total of 8,429 have tested negative for COVID-19 and an additional 215 samples are awaiting results.

Currently, 447 individuals are in the isolation facilities and 1,311 are in the quarantine facilities located throughout the country. Mabrook said all people arriving in the country during the lockdown period under a special permit must quarantine themselves for a period of 14-days in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. He said they will have to administer COVID-19 tests within 24 hours after their arrival in the country, while the people serving them must also follow the same procedures.

The spokesperson said resort owners and individuals arriving in the Maldives from other international organisations such as the World Bank will be subjected to the 14-day period. He added resort owners will be permitted to quarantine themselves in their resorts.