Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has revealed no COVID-19 cases have been detected from Kulhudhuffushi City since October 18.
HEOC placed Kulhudhuffushi under monitoring after a police officer in the city tested positive for COVID-19 on October 5. A COVID-19 cluster was formed among contacts of the police officer with 17 linked cases, including 11 cases from Kulhudhuffushi, 4 cases from Dhihdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll and one case each from Kurinbee, Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Foakaidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll.
Speaking at a press conference, Abdul Mauroof from the Atoll Preparedness Team of HEOC said there have been no new cases in Kulhudhuffushi since four cases were detected on October 18. He said direct contacts of the last four cases have been tested, with all returning negative results. He added a further 120 individuals have been tested in random as part of efforts to detect community transmission, with all tests returning negative results.
Speaking further, Mauroof said although there have been no new cases for the past 4 days, the danger of community transmission has not yet been averted. As such, he said all contacts of positive cases will be tested again at the end of the 14-day isolation period.
Mauroof called on the residents of Kulhudhuffushi to immediately consult the flu clinic established in the city if any COVID-19 like symptoms appear within this period. He also requested the people of Kulhudhuffushi to follow the guidelines of Health Protection Agency (HPA) and cooperate with the control measures put in place to control the spread of the disease.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, entry and exit from Kulhudhuffushi has been banned, with exceptions provided for health emergencies and supply of essential items. Schools in Kulhudhuffushi have also been closed temporarily.