Random sampling for COVID-19 in Addu City

Authorities will commence collection of random samples for COVID-19 tomorrow in Addu City, the second biggest city in the Maldives in terms of population. 

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has previously stated that random samples were to be collected from all over the country due to the situation with COVID-19. 

Addu Equatorial Hospital Manager Sadhaath Shareef said that random sampling would be conducted on September 26 and 27.

"A total of 200 samples are to be collected within two days," said Sadhaath. 

He added that 14 cases of the virus have so far been identified from the city in the south. They include 12 in home-quarantine and two contacts.

"Out of them, only two are receiving treatment. Others have all recovered," said Sadhaath. 

The Maldives has confirmed more than 9,900 cases of the virus since identifying the first in early March. Out of the confirmed cases, 8,597 individuals have made recoveries. Active cases are numbered at 1,301. They include 87 individuals receiving treatment in hospitals. The country has so far confirmed 34 deaths in relation to the virus.