Two detained in Vilimale’ test positive for virus

Two people held in the Vilimale’ Detention Center in connection to an investigation by Maldives Police Service have tested positive for COVID-19.

Sun has been informed the two are foreign nationals.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed the test results to the police, and the officers who had contact with the two detainees have been quarantined.

Since the emergence of a community spread of the new coronavirus in Male’, suspects taken into the custody of police are first taken to the Vilimale’ Detention Center, and moved to Dhoonidhoo Custodial after they are screened.

Prisons in Maldives had gone into lockdown prior to the emergence of the Male’ community spread.  The country has yet to detect a virus case within its prison population.

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed announced on Sunday that 23 of Maldives Police Service’s officers and staff have tested positive for COVID-19, and 293 more have been placed under managed isolation.

Hameed said that the service was taking enhanced measures to further curb the spread of COVID-19 within the police force. He said that it was essential to ensure the police force isn’t depleted.