COVID-19 cases in Maldivian prisons rise to 78

78 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Maldivian prisons since the first cases were detected in late April.

According to the information released by Maldives Correctional Service on Tuesday, the 78 confirmed cases in prisons include 53 prison officers and staffers and 25 detainees. 97 more prison officers and staffers, and 17 more detainees had contact with the confirmed cases and are quarantined.

There are 29 confirmed cases in Male’ Prison; four prison officers and staffers and 25 detainees. 20 more prison officers and staffers, and 17 more detainees had contact with the confirmed cases and are quarantined.

There are 31 confirmed cases in Maafushi Prison – all of them prison officers. 77 more prison officers and staffers have been identified as contacts and are quarantined.

And there are 18 confirmed cases in Asseyri Prison – all of them prison officers.

Meanwhile, no cases have yet to be detected in Hulhumale’ Prison.

The outbreak in prisons comes with Maldives experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks – both in the capital and in residential islands outside the capital.

The alarming surge in cases has prompted Health Protection Agency (HPA) to impose additional restrictions in the capital, including a 00:00-04:00 ban on vehicular traffic, and suspension of face-to-face classes in schools.

Government offices have been closed, public parks and sports arenas have been closed, and the travel eases allowed for fully vaccinated individuals have been suspended.

Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamedfulhu said last week that Maldives Correctional Service has begun identifying detainees who are at high risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19 so they can be temporarily moved to home confinement to curb outbreaks in prisons.