The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) is in discussion to make arrangements to promptly collect samples from elders for Covid-19 testing.

Speaking at a routinely press briefing on Thursday night, Covid-19 spokesperson Mohamed Mabrook Aziz revealed that elders and individuals suffering from long-term of chronic illnesses are at a high risk of contracting the virus, in light of this, the task force is currently working to establish a procedure to collect samples from individuals in this category who exhibit symptoms for the virus, as soon as possible.

The discussions are being held with relevant authorities and the final arrangements are currently being made, said Mabrook.

The first Covid-19-related death was confirmed in the Maldives last week, when the virus claimed the life of an 83-year-old victim.

The family of the victim continues to accuse authorities of negligence in the case, however, doctors at the task force have vehemently denied these accusations.

However, the Minister of Health, Abdulla Ameen has assured the public that the case will be looked into.

As of Friday afternoon, there have been a total of 468 confirmed cases in the country and most of them are foreigners.