COVID-19: Man tests positive in Thinadhoo, travel restrictions imposed

A man with a recent travel history to the capital has tested positive for the new coronavirus in G. Dh. Thinadhoo, prompting the implementation of restrictions in the island.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) informed Thinadhoo Council of the decision to place the island under ‘monitoring’ on Saturday, after a man who works on a boat which travels between Thinadhoo and Male’ City – the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Maldives – tested positive for the disease.

The restrictons will remain in place until contact tracing is complete.

The focal point in G. Dh. Atoll for national coronavirus efforts told Sun that the man in question presented to the hospital for emergency treatment earlier this Saturday.

The official said that the patient was questioned regarding his recent travel history during triage. The official said that the patient’s caretaker told hospital staff that he did not have any recent travel history, and was provided consultation from the general OPD.

“When he went to the doctor, he had documents showing he was treated in Senahiya [Hospital in Male']. The doctor took immediate action, and the tests conducted from here came back positive,” said the official.

Crew members of boats that travel between Male’ City and residential islands are required to undergo mandatory home quarantine if they disembark in Male’.

Maldives has 7,469 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 140 new cases recorded on Friday. 4,873 patients have since recovered, while 28 have died from complications.

The country currently has 2,568 active cases. 192 coronavirus patients are hospitalized.