Multiple residential islands under quarantine in connection to Amaazu boat virus case

National Emergency Operations Center, on Saturday, announced that multiple residential islands located in northern Maldives have been quarantined, some linked with the passenger boat Amaazu, which's captain has tested positive for COVID-19.

NEOC confirmed the case of the 49-year-old boat captain, case 133, at its press briefing on Saturday night.

The boat had travelled out of Male’ at 3 pm on April 15, prior to the lockdown on the Greater Male’ Region, and the nationwide ban on all non-essential travel.

IGMH doctor, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said that passengers who travelled on the boat were now situated in different residential islands; six islands in N. Atoll, four islands in Sh. Atoll, and two islands in H. A. Atoll.

THE ISLANDS:

• H. A. Utheem
• H. A. Dhidhdhoo
• Sh. Narudhoo
• Sh. Funadhoo
• Sh. Milandhoo
• Sh. Feevah
• Sh. Maaungoodhoo
• N. Holhudhoo
• N. Maafaru
• N. Miladhoo
• N. Kendhikulhudhoo
• N. Henbadhoo

All of the islands are now under monitoring, with restrictions on travel in and out of the islands.

Dr. Afzal said 98 people had travelled on the boat on April 15 and 16, 51 of whom had been identified through contact tracing.

Five show symptoms consistent with COVID-19, he said.

Dr. Afzal appealed to passengers who travelled on the boat to report themselves to Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Virus cases in Maldives, fueled by the community outbreak in the capital, have now risen to 141.

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Note: Passengers who travelled on Amaazu boat may contact HPA by calling its hotline 1678 or emailing to [email protected]. mv. Passengers may also call local health centers.