Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has placed Ungoofaaru, Raa Atoll under monitoring following detection of a COVID-19 case in the island.
Speaking at a press conference, Abdul Mauroof from the HEOC Atoll Preparedness Team revealed one of the random samples taken in Ungoofaaru had tested positive for COVID-19. Mauroof said the sample was among the 60 samples taken in the island to detect any spread of COVID-19. He said Ungoofaaru has now been placed under monitoring, and that entry and exit has been banned until further notice.
Speaking further, Mauroof said masks have been made mandatory in Ungoofaaru as a result of the positive case. He added schools in the island have also been closed, while individuals from nearby islands seeking treatment from Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital are required to seek a permit to enter the island.
Meanwhile, Health Services Manager of Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital Ibrahim Zayaan said random samples were tested in Ungoofaaru after several individuals working at the nearby island of Kudakurathu tested positive for COVID-19. He said the individual who tested positive in Ungoofaaru is a local working as a cashier of a cafe in the island. He revealed contact tracing of the individual is now underway.
As the capital of Raa Atoll, Ungoofaaru is frequently visited by people from other islands in the atoll for healthcare, banking and other essential services.