MNU commences survey into spread of COVID-19

Maldives National University (MNU) is conducting a survey into the spread of COVID-19 in Male’ City after easements introduced to the lockdown order on the capital.

In a press conference at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) tonight, MNU’s Research Center Dean Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem said that the university was working to assist authorities in numerous ways during the situation with COVID-19.

As part of that work, MNU was conducting a survey into the spread of COVID-19 in the capital in light of lockdown easements. The survey will see the collection of samples from frontline workers such as WAMCO employees as well as high-risk individuals, said Dr. Raheema.

She also said that around 1,200 students of the university were involved in the work of NEOC regarding COVID-19.

“Rapid Response Team, Sample collection, Contact Tracing, Training, and training of staff in hospitals and health centers, as well as task forces, are being taken part by 1,200 students as well as around 300 employees,” said Dr. Raheema.

She also added that a number of surveys focused on construction, housing, modeling, socio-economic impact, socio-economic health, mental health were also being conducted by the university.

“On the request of the Parliament, the surveys are also being conducted into the changes, losses, and mitigation efforts that can be made regarding the tourism sector due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Raheema.