Mabrouq: 34 in quarantine after contact with 2 locals positive for virus

Government spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez has stated that 34 people are in quarantine in connection with the two locals that tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

The two Maldivians had returned from the United Kingdom before they were tested positive for the virus. Mabrouq said that some of those in quarantine were based in their homes while others were placed in government-designated quarantine facilities.

Contact tracing of the two locals saw the authorities identify 77 people. 29 people were in quarantine after coming into contact with the first local while 48 were identified to have come into contact with the second case. Five of these people were quarantined at their homes. A further five more were also in home isolation after contact.

Mabrouq also said that samples from a person who had stayed in the same room as the second individual was taken yesterday.

The Maldives has confirmed 17 cases of the virus. 15 of these cases remain in the country. Two Italian tourists had departed from the country after completing their quarantine periods.

Their test results were received as positive after they had departed the country. Out of the 15, 13 individuals are foreigners, who have all made full recoveries after contracting the disease. Only the two locals tested positive for the virus are now being treated.

Government’s Emergency Operation Center Medical Officer, Dr. Moosa Muraad stated last night that those in quarantine would be tested for the virus after completing their quarantine periods. He noted that this may delay their release.

Dr. Muraad also noted that delays were faced due to too many test samples. The Maldives has tested 1093 people for the virus. 1065 test results have come back as negative. 17 cases were tested positive while results from a further 17 cases are currently pending.