Changes to sample collection in virus-hit Addu City

Local health authorities have made changes to the protocol on sample collection in Addu, as the city battles with a surge in COVID-19 cases. 

Addu Equatorial Hospital said that officials were facing difficulties in sample collection due to the significant rise in cases in the city. 

As such, the hospital has suspended house visits to collect samples. 

The hospital has established sample collection points in the districts of the city, where residents go to provide their samples. 

The sample collection points are for release samples, samples from contacts, and samples from contacts who are symptomatic, said the hospital. 

The sample collection point in Maradhoo and Maradhoo-Feydhoo is Dhamanaveshi, while the sample collection point in Feydhoo is the Feydhoo Health Center (former district office). 

Meanwhile, the sample collection point for Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo is the Hulhumeedhoo Flu Clinic, and the sample collection point for Hithadhoo is the Hithadhoo Flu Clinic. 

Addu City has 807 active cases of COVID-19, including 125 new cases on Monday. 

Three of the patients are hospitalized, while 15 have died from complications.