COVID-19 cases detected at Villingili once again

An Executive Director at the Health Ministry who had traveled to GA. Villingili from Male’ City – had tested positive for COVID-19 after arrival on the island. It is alleged that the individual had not done a PCR test prior to arrival at the island – as per the current travel guidelines. Subsequently, residents of the island have been exposed to the risk of infection.

A member of Villingili Council had told Sun that the Director had arrived to the island four days ago – without a PCR test. Upon exhibiting symptoms, the Director had gotten tested for COVID-19 yesterday – and the results had come back positive. Three additional persons had also gotten tested as direct contacts – and their results had returned positive as well.

The Director had also allegedly foregone quarantining after arriving at Villingili. Some of the Director’s family members are amongst those who have tested positive from the island so far.

The Council member who had spoken to Sun also added that the Director was in violation of the safety guidelines recommended by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) – having held meetings with people from the island without wearing a mask.

Due to these reasons, the Council member noted that there was high a chance of the virus spreading on the island again – and also possibly having to be placed under monitoring mechanisms again.

Villingili has been placed under monitoring mechanisms a total of three times now – once in January, once in July, and once this month.