Total number of COVID-19 cases in Maldives rises to 214

National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has just announced the confirmation of 23 new cases in the Maldives today. The total number of cases in the Maldives has now risen to 214, with 73 cases confirmed today alone.

Authorities have previously announced 50 positive cases in the Maldives today. NEOC medical officer Dr. Afzal stated that an additional 23 cases, apart from the 50 announced previously, were identified in a press conference underway right now.

The news means that today, the country marked the highest number of confirmed virus cases in a single day, with 73 positive cases.

Authorities confirmed that the number of foreigners who tested positive for the virus is higher than locals. Dr. Afzal stated that the country now has several large clusters and stated that 517 contacts have been identified from a single cluster.

The contact tracing for the Amaazu passenger boat is also underway after the captain of the boat tested positive for the virus. The boat had traveled to several islands in the north of Maldives before the captain was tested positive.

NEOC spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez stated that the country has taken 5948 samples for testing, out of which 5699 have tested negative. 58 samples are currently pending.

Contact tracing of positive cases has so far identified 2003 individuals and 253 locations are under monitoring mechanisms.