101 primary contacts identified from passenger boat Amaazu

The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has announced that 101 primary contacts have been identified by the authorities from the passenger boat Amaazu.

The boat’s captain tested positive for COVID-19 after traveling to several islands in the north of Maldives on April 15. The 49-year old local male who is the captain of the boat tested positive last Saturday after traveling to several islands with 91 passengers. HPA had requested anyone that traveled on the boat to report themselves to the authorities.

Speaking in a press conference tonight, NEOC medical officer Dr. Ibrahim Afzal stated that out of the 101 contacts, six were now exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

“One of the secondary contacts is symptomatic. Five others from the primary 101 contacts are also symptomatic. Authorities are working to collect samples for testing from them.” Said Dr. Afzal who did not specify the number of secondary contacts from the cluster.

14 northern islands in total have been placed under monitoring mechanisms due to the cluster.

Islands under monitoring due to the cluster are:

• Sh. Narudhoo
• Sh. Milandhoo
• Sh. Feevah
• Sh. Maaungoodhoo
• Sh. Goidhoo
• N. Maafaru
• N. Miladhoo
• N. Velidhoo
• N. Kendhikulhudhoo
• N. Holhudhoo
• H. Dh. Hirimaradhoo
• Kulhudhuffushi City
• H. A. Dhidhdhoo
• H. A. Utheemu

The chance of new clusters sprouting out from the case was high, according to the authorities. However, the authorities have not announced a positive case in connection with the cluster so far.