36 detainees at Maafushi Prison test positive for COVID-19, 68 in quarantine

Maldives Correctional Service has stated that 36 detainees incarcerated at Maafushi Prison, where a state of emergency has been declared subsequent to a COVID-19 outbreak, have tested positive for the virus.

Corrections’ Spokesperson confirmed to Sun that 36 detainees have tested positive for COVID-19 – whereas 68 detainees who have been identified as direct contacts are currently in quarantine.

The Spokesperson further detailed that five jail officers have also tested positive for COVID-19 – whilst 12 jail officers are in quarantine.

In line with Health Protection Agency (HPA) guidelines, a state of emergency was declared at Maafushi Prison starting from 4:00pm on Friday, as samples taken from seven jail officers and four detainees exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, had come back positive.

Corrections said that until normalcy, lawyer meetings, family meetings and court hearings for detainees will be carried out online. 

A COVID-19 outbreak took place at Maafushi Prison in last September as well. Subsequently, the jail was brought under a state of emergency. High-risk inmates were also moved to home confinement during this time.

The number of COVID-19 cases across all of Maldives, is currently on a rise. On Sunday alone, a total of 1.209 cases were confirmed – out which 575 cases were from Male’ area.