National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has begun testing random samples from Maafushi Prison for COVID-19.
NEOC is conducting random sampling at Maafushi prison in collaboration with Maldives Correctional Service (MCS). MCS revealed samples will be obtained from inmates as well as prison officers.
Due to the community spread situation of COVID-19 in the Maldives, NEOC has been conducting random sampling to identify the level of transmission in different locations. NEOC stated random sampling is being carried out as most of the COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic and therefore carry a high risk of transmitting it to others without knowing they are infected. The centre revealed random samples are currently being collected from individuals seeking OPD services at hospitals in the Greater Male' Region as well as regional hospitals and flu clinics.
In preparation for the projected peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Maldives, which is expected to arrive between May 15 and May 31, the government has been increasing the testing capacity for COVID-19. NEOC stated the target is to test 600 samples per day.