Those who refuse to provide samples include symptomatic persons: Dr. Afzal

There are some individuals in the society, who refuse to provide samples for Covid-19 testing despite exhibiting symptoms, says Epidemiologist at the Health Protection Agency (HPA), Dr. Ibrahim Afzal.

The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) held a press conference on Wednesday, to provide the latest updates regarding the Covid-19 situation across the country, where Dr. Afzal stressed that some individuals among the society are observed to be refusing to provide samples for Covid-19 testing.

As such, he noted that some of these individuals do not fathom the seriousness of this infection, adding that there are some persons who do not cooperate with authorities in the contact tracing procedure.

This, he said, presents risks of community spread across atolls and challenges in controlling the spread among island communities as well.

Dr. Afzal noted that there are hindrances in the procedure to collect random samples from atolls.

HEOC revealed that daily coronavirus infections being confirmed from atolls have been increasing alarmingly since November began and that there are active cases across 69 islands so far.

Eight Covid-19 patients across atolls are seeking in-hospital treatment.

HEOC has urged the communities nationwide to pay heed to the face mask mandate and adhere to social distancing measures in place for the safety of all.

Although Covid-19 cases confirmed in the capital region have been declining over recent months, cases across atolls have been increasing over recent weeks.

Authorities continue to urge the public to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and measures in place.