The special needs home in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll has revealed there are over 100 active cases of COVID-19 in the facility.
The first case of COVID-19 in the facility was reported last month. As such, an individual who died after being brought to Male’ from the facility on October 19 tested positive for COVID-19, following which the facility was placed under monitoring.
Speaking to PSM News, CEO of the Guraidhoo Special Needs Home Yooshau Shihan said the facility currently has over 100 active cases, including 28 staff. He added 8 patients and 6 staff have recovered after contracting COVID-19.
Shihan said a COVID-19 cluster likely formed at the facility due to staff travelling to and from the island following the ease of restrictions by Health Protection Agency (HPA). He said all 158 staff at the facility, as well as all but 4 of the 197 patients at the facility are fully vaccinated.
Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services had earlier revealed the individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 at the special needs home have been transferred to COVID-19 facilities, while others have been isolated inside. The gender ministry said all staff and patients at the facility have been tested for COVID-19, adding the facility is under continuous monitoring to ensure the safety of all staff and patients.
The gender ministry had also stated the medical supplies needed for the facility at this emergency situation have been transferred to the facility. The ministry stated efforts are also underway to facilitate the transfer of more healthcare workers to Guraidhoo to combat the current COVID-19 situation in the island.