COVID-19: Authorities begin conducting random sampling

Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has announced that authorities are now conducting random testing for COVID-19 in the capital area.

In a press conference tonight, NEOC medical officer, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal stated that the tests will be conducted in Male’ City, Vilimale’ and Hulhumale’. The purpose of the tests were to locate any previously unidentified cases of the virus.

“Random sampling will be conducted from the market areas, corner shops, ferry, as well as from the streets. The sampling will be conducted in Male’, Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’.” Said the doctor.

Just 12 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the country so far today compared with the 73 cases on Sunday.

Clusters of COVID-19 identified in the Maldives

Dr. Afzal stated in tonight's press conference that 12 cases identified yesterday belonged to two clusters named as RSC and BZM. The 12 cases identified today belonged to BZM, RSC, and MHF clusters.

He also stated that the authorities have currently identified 20 clusters, with the highest number of positive cases identified from the MHF cluster. The LLY cluster, also connected with the MHF cluster, had also tested 30 positive cases. 13 independent individuals (not connect to any clusters) have also been tested positive for the virus by the authorities.

The names of the clusters are assigned based on their locations. Dr. Afzal explained that the BZM cluster cases are for the cluster identified from the market area of Male’ City. The JRY cluster cases are the cases identified from M. Jareemaage. BHM cluster cases are the cases identified from the BHM Traders.

AMZ cluster cases are the cases identified and connected with the Amaazu passenger boat. FLC is the name given to the cluster cases identified from Flu Clinics. UGM is the name for cluster cases from H.A Uligan. There are also other unspecified clusters.

Dr. Afzal went on to state that random testing was now being conducted on the streets of Male’ City and Hulhumale’ as well as corner shops and market areas.

A total of 6,343 cases have been tested for the virus. 226 individuals have tested positive for the virus in the Maldives while 5,999 cases have tested negative for the virus. The positive cases include 87 Maldivians and 136 foreigners. 17 patients have also made full recoveries from the virus. The recovered include 13 foreigners and four locals. 129 test results are still being processed.