COVID-19 cases linked with wedding reception rises to 41

COVID-19 cases linked with a wedding reception held in Male’ City a week back has risen to 41.

In a press conference on Sunday, Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) spokesperson Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said that at least 41 positive cases have been confirmed from the wedding reception cluster.

The wedding reception in question took place at the SHE building on December 20. The reception was attended by 120 guests, some of whom exhibited flu symptoms.

Dr. Nazla said on Sunday that the first case linked with the cluster was identified on December 24. 12 additional cases were confirmed on December 25, 21 additional cases on December 26, and eight additional cases on December 27.

Those who tested positive include four high-risk patients, and the positive cases have 116 contacts between them.

All guests and staff at the wedding reception are being quarantined and tested.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has asked that those who attended the reception but have not been contacted by the agency as of yet to call the hotline 1676 and share their information as soon as possible. Those who attended the reception have also been asked to self-isolate.

HPA has asked that functions such as wedding receptions be held in accordance with the agency’s guidelines; those with flu symptoms must avoid such functions, masks must be worn, invitations must be issued to a limited number of guests to ensure social distancing can be maintained, the location must have proper ventilation, and special arrangements must be made for serving food.