COVID-19: Active cases in Maafushi Prison rise to 168

Maafushi Prison. (Sun Photo/Fayaz Moosa)

Maafushi Prison – on high-alert following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases – has confirmed additional cases of the virus.

Information released by Maldives Correctional Service on Saturday show the Maafushi Prison currently has 168 active cases. This includes 153 inmates and 15 prison officers.

Meanwhile, 85 people are quarantined; 82 inmates and three prison officera.

130 people who contracted COVID-19 have recovered;114 inmates and 16 prison officers.

The latest outbreak at Maafushi Prison was detected after samples taken on January 13 came back positive for COVID-19. Emergency status was invoked at the prison the next day, prompting additional restrictions.

In-person family visits, lawyer visits and court hearings have been suspended and changed to virtual meetings and hearings.

Several high-risk inmates to be transferred to home confinement.

Maldives is currently battling a surge in COVID-19 cases, fueled by the new and more contagious omicron variant. Health experts expect the cases to peak by the end of January or beginning of February.

Maldives has 130,599 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 2,510 new cases recorded on Friday. 112,535 patients have since recovered, while 274 have died from complications.

The country currently has 17,777 active cases. 49 of the patients are hospitalized.