Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH) has revealed arrangements have been made to conduct tests for COVID-19 in Addu City.
AEH said it can now conduct PCR tests to directly detect the presence of an antigen in the body, noting it is the first facility outside the Greater Male' Region to conduct COVID-19 related tests.
National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) said testing facilities were established in Addu via a bio fire machine which is a point of care machine with a capacity to test 24 samples per day. NEOC revealed PCR machines will be installed in Addu and Kulhudhuffushi within 10 days after which 100-150 samples can be processed in each city daily.
Noting laboratory technologists have completed training to utilise the machines, NEOC said they are currently in transit quarantine after arriving in the respective cities and will return to work before the machines are installed.
NEOC confirmed an individual in transit quarantine in Addu tested positive for COVID-19 on June 12, which is the first case reported in the city.