All samples collected from Malé Prison and Himmafushi Asseyri Prison have tested negative for Covid-19.

Noting that a total of 72 samples were collected for testing from both prisons, the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) on Monday revealed that they came back negative for the virus.

37 samples were taken from the Asseyri Prison, 25 inmates and 12 prison personnel, while samples were collected from 15 inmates and 20 prison officers from the Malé prison.

38 samples collected from the Maafushi Prison on May 8, had also tested negative for Covid-19.

While the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been conducting random sample testing, samples were collected from the Himmafushi Asseyri Prison after three Covid-19 cases were identified at the island’s Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DTRC).

Authorities at the facility had said that it had been under lockdown since April 22, but investigations following the positive cases led to information that some staff at the DTRC had left there without informing their seniors.