A second resident of capital Malé City has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that this a direct contact of the previous confirmed patient.

The agency, via Twitter, said that this person has been transferred to an isolation facility.

While this is the second positive coronavirus case from the capital, it is the seventh Maldivian to test positive but the only two known possible cases of a community spread; the others had tested positive after returning from abroad.

Following the discovery of the first case, the capital’s public health risk level changed from yellow to red and it was placed under a 24-hour lockdown.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also addressed the nation live on TV, and made an emotional appeal for all to stay home and cooperate with authorities.

Maldives has confirmed a total of 22 positive Covid-19 cases since March 7, with the first 13 being foreigners staying in resorts. They have all recovered, as well as three Maldivians and there are currently four people receiving treatment.