The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has acknowledged delays in receiving results of those tested for COVID-19.
Answering questions at NEOC's press conference on Monday night, spokesperson Mabrook Azeez said there are delays in receiving the results of pending tests due to the large amount of samples collected for testing. However, the government is working to expedite the results, said Mabrook.
As of last night, results of approximately 300 samples were still pending, said Mabrook. Efforts are underway to procure additional an additional machine to expedite testing, he added.
"The reality is that we have a backlog. From the figures we announce every day, even you can see there are around 250 samples pending results. Right before [the press conference], results of around 300 samples are pending," said Mabrook.
The government had previously stated that it has the capability to provide results of tested samples within six hours, and all results will be issued within 6-12 hours of testing. Recently, complaints that test results were not received even after being tested several days ago have been a major complaint of those in quarantine. The disinfection process of residences of direct contacts are also delayed, some have said.
Male' city is currently on a 14-day lockdown. 62 cases have been identified in residential areas. The total number of positive cases registered in the Maldives is now 82.
Mabrook Azeez, NEOC spokesperson
