Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated no samples obtained from a prison have so far tested positive for COVID-19.
Speaking at a press conference held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Home Minister Imran revealed 38 random samples were obtained from prisons, as part of the efforts to detect a possible spread of the disease in prisons. The minister said the results of 22 samples have been received, all of which tested negative.
Random sampling was conducted in prisons by NEOC, in collaboration with Maldives Correctional Service (MCS). Samples were obtained from inmates as well as prison officers.
NEOC says random sampling is conducted across the country to identify the level of community transmission of COVID-19. The centre says random samples are being tested as most of the COVID-19 patients in the Maldives have shown little to no symptoms of the disease.