COVID-19 cases in Hulhumale’ prison, detention center rise to 12

Maldives Correctional Service announced on Sunday that positive coronavirus cases among detainees held in Hulhumale’ Prison and Hulhumale’ Detention Center has risen to 12.

Maldives Correctional Service announced the identification of coronavirus cases in Hulhumale’ Prison and Hulhumale’ Detention Center on Thursday; five migrants temporarily held at the Hulhumale’ Detention Center pending deportation for violation of Immigration Act, and one inmate at the Hulhumale’ Prison.

In a tweet on Monday, Maldives Correctional Service released the latest information on coronavirus testing at Hulhumale’ Prison and Hulhumale’ Detention Center, starting from August 23.

The information shows samples have been taken from 41 inmates at the Hulhumale’ Prison up until this Monday. Seven inmates tested positive, while 19 tested negative and results on 15 remain pending.

Meanwhile, samples have also been taken from 31 detainees at the Hulhumale’ Detention Center. Five detainees tested positive, 16 tested negative, and results on 10 remain pending.

Samples were also taken from 10 officers and staff at the Hulhumale’ Prison and Hulhumale’ Detention Center, who all tested negative.

Maldives Correctional Service has previously stated that the coronavirus outbreak within the Hulhumale’ Detention Center is believed to have originated from new detainees brought in to the center.