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COVID-19: HEOC forms taskforce to tackle Kulhudhuffushi local transmission

Ahmed Aiham
21 October 2020, MVT 14:01
Parliamentary member for Kulhudhuffushi South constituency MP Jamsheed Mohamed (L) seen during the Kulhdhuffushi taskforce meeting held on October 20. PHOTO: HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY
Ahmed Aiham
21 October 2020, MVT 14:01

Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Tuesday, announced the formulation of a special taskforce to tackle the local transmission of COVID-19 present in the northern Kulhudhuffushi City.

The taskforce was established under a directive of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, with its first meeting chaired by Vice President Faisal Naseem.

Speaking at the meeting held Tuesday, VP Faisal highlighted the need to control the spread of the virus while limiting closure of essential services as the island remains a central economic hub for the northern atolls, while housing a significant population of 60,000.

The meeting was held in attendance with the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, representatives of the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital and both the Parliamentary Representatives for Kulhudhuffushi North and South constituencies, MP Yasir Abdul Latheef and MP Jamsheed Mohamed.

The special team is scheduled to depart for the city in the near future.

Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), on Monday night, confirmed the local transmission of COVID-19 in Haa Dhaalu Atoll's Kulhudhuffushi City.

Speaking at the press conference hosted by HEOC, the centre's Spokesperson and Health Protection Agency (HPA)'s Medical Officer Dr Nazla Rafeeq stated that local transmission was confirmed following the contact tracing efforts carried out after four individuals tested positive for the virus on Friday.

With the confirmation of local transmission, Dr Abdulla Mauroof requested all the citizens of Kulhudhuffushi to adhere to the guidelines published by Health Protection Agency (HPA), such as wearing masks in public.

Cafe's and restaurants are also required to follow HPA's guidelines to minimise the risk of virus spread.

Maldives currently records a total of 11,271 virus cases of which 993 are active cases, in addition to 10,234 recoveries and 37 deaths.

In addition to the Greater Male' Region, active virus cases are currently present in 21 inhabited islands as well as 18 resorts across the archipelago.

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