Airport staff testing high for virus among frontliners

Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has announced that the highest number of frontline workers testing positive for COVID-19 were from the airport.

Statistics shared by the HEOC in a press conference last night showed that the highest number of positive cases were identified as unemployed individuals and frontline workers.  Around 600 such individuals have so far tested positive for the virus. 

Out of the frontliners, airport staffers tested positive the most, after which, health workers tested the highest, followed by Police and MNDF. 

Apart from frontliners, the highest number of cases were identified from students of schools and colleges.

HEOC epidemiologist Dr. Ibrahim Afzal, speaking in last night’s presser said that this did not mean that the virus was spreading in educational facilities. 

“Due to the spread of the virus outside, students and workers of educational facilities are being infected in other means.” Said Dr. Afzal. 

The highest number of cases were identified between the aged 18-40. The majority of the infected are male, said Dr. Afzal.

Dr. Afzal also said that the cases identified from test clinics and direct contacts have also substantially increased since lockdown easements were introduced in July.

The Maldives has so far confirmed more than 7,500 cases of the virus. Recoveries are currently at 4,925. The country has reported 28 deaths in relation to the virus so far. Active cases currently stand at 2,619. There are 184 individuals receiving treatment at hospitals.