Authorities revealed that all 121 samples taken from the flu clinic established at Senahiya military hospital tested negative for COVID-19.
Communications Undersecretary at the President's Office, Mabrook Abdul Azeez shed light on the number of patients that visited the three flu clinics recently established in the Greater Male' area in response to the COVID-19 outbreak:
- Senahiya, for locals without recent travel history: 860
- Sinamale', for local with recent travel history: 237
- Hulhumale', for expatriates: 65
Although Mabrook disclosed that all samples taken from Senahiya for suspected virus cases came back negative, he did not reveal information on any samples taken from the other two clinics.
Regarding tests done for various islands and resorts, Mabrook noted that 463 samples were taken from across the country so far, with 35 test results still pending.
Following negative test results, authorities recently lifted monitoring measures and restrictions on the island of Mathiveri, Alif Alif Atoll and the resorts Gili Lankanfushi, Furaveri, Anantara Kihavah, and aaaVeee Nature's Paradise. Health Protection Agency (HPA) also revealed on Wednesday night that samples taken from two foreign nationals aboard My Sky Yacht tested negative.
Speaking to the press, Mabrook further dispelled rumours that capital Male' City is to be put on lockdown, stating that authorities have not held any such discussions till date.
He added that 238,853 individuals have been screened across all ports in Maldives, out of which 81 people were deported.
Maldives currently has 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including a tourist couple on a liveaboard, two cases from Anantara Dhigu, five foreign nationals from Kuredu Island Resort as well as two foreign citizens from Sandies Bathala and Kuramathi Maldives each. No locals have tested positive for the virus as of yet.
The island national announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, under which the government has implemented several measures. This includes travel restrictions to and from resorts, and temporary suspension of tourist check-ins in guesthouses and hotels around the country.
In addition, Maldives has banned entry from China, Italy, Iran, Bangladesh, Spain, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and parts of South Korea, France and Germany.
The state also temporarily closed down all government offices and educational institutions, urging the public to practice good hygiene, social distancing and stay home unless absolutely necessary.
The World Health Organization has classified the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 219,000 and claimed over 8,960 lives around the world. However, out of those infected, more than 85,670 have recovered.
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