COVID-19: 6 detainees in Hulhumale’ test positive

Maldives Correctional Service announced on Thursday that six detainees held in suburban Hulhumale’ have tested positive for the new coronavirus.

According to a statement released by Maldives Correctional Service on Thursday evening, the six detainees include; five migrants being temporarily held at the Hulhumale’ Detention Center pending deportation for violation of Immigration Act, and one prisoner at the Hulhumale’ Prison.

Maldives Correctional Service said it believes the coronavirus outbreak within the Hulhumale’ Detention Center to have originated from new detainees brought in to the center. But the service did not specify the date on which the latest batch of detainees were brought in.

Samples have been taken from 10 officers, two nurses, 9 detainees and one prisoner in connection to the cases.

Maldives Correctional Service provided assurance it will continue to implement measures in prisons and detention facilities in accordance with Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s guidelines in light of the positive cases.

Maldives has 7,225 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 178 new cases recorded on Wednesday. 4,561 patients have since recovered, while 28 have died from complications.

1,000 people have tested positive over the last one-week period alone.

The country currently has 2,363 active cases. 162 coronavirus patients are hospitalized.