COVID-19 testing to be ramped up with PCR testing in 4 regions

The government of the Maldives will introduce COVID-19 testing arrangements in four regions of the country. 

The news was announced in a press conference held in the evening by President's Office spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez. In the press conference, Mabrouq said that PCR testing arrangements will be made in L. Atoll, R. Atoll, GDh. Atoll and Lh. Atoll in government efforts to curb the spread of the virus. Technicians from the regions have been requested to send their names in order to receive training. 

"At least 300 tests would be conducted in each island," said Mabrouq. 

Some locations in the country already have COVID-19 testing mechanisms through PCR tests, while others use Gene Expert machines. 

The increase in testing capacity comes on the back of a huge surge in cases. Authorities have still not managed to fully clear a backlog of cases and complaints have been raised that test results are not delivered even after a week.