34 individuals who had come in contact with two most recent COVID-19 cases in the Maldives have been asked to remain in isolation.
Two locals who returned to the Maldives from the United Kingdom tested positive for COVID-19. As per protocol, both had been taken to quarantine facilities, where they were tested after developing symptoms of the virus.
Although they did not come to the capital between arriving in the country and traveling to their respective quarantine facilities, 34 people who are likely to have come in contact with the two have been asked to stay in isolation. Their details nor how they had come in contact with the patients were not revealed. However, it is believed this includes airport staff who had come in contact with the patients.
Spokesperson Mabrook said one patient had come in contact with 29 people, and all have been ordered to stay in home isolation. Work is underway to move those who do not have the means to home isolate to a designated quarantine facility, said Mabrook.
48 people were identified as possible contacts of the second local during contact tracing. While three have been taken to quarantine facilities, two have been asked to remain in home isolation.
17 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Maldives thus far. This includes two locals and two foreigners who have already departed from the Maldives. With 13 recoveries, the total number of active cases is currently two. However, the recovered patients will be remaining in isolation for a period of 30 days as per protocol.
