While a number of Covid-19 cases were detected from Hoandeddhoo island in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) has described this is as a local spread with links to “a single source.”

HEOC’s spokesperson, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq revealed this at Saturday night’s Covid-19 press briefing.

Responding to a question by a reporter, Nazla said that the matter has been investigated through joint efforts by the police and health officials.

She said that the investigation shows that two others had contracted the virus from a single source. The doctor added that there is no proof that an individual under home quarantine had violated the order; those traveling to outlying islands from the capital are required to quarantine for a 14-day period.

However, she said that all cases from the island are being linked to the same source.

While community surveillance is underway on the island and those with symptoms have been identified are are being tested, Dr. Nazla said that all cases as well as possible ones have connections to the first two cases detected there.

Noting that this is “a single chain of transaction,” Nazla stated that there is a community spread on the island.

The doctor further said that police continues to investigate the matter to ensure that there have been no Covid-19 safety violations, and that measures will be imposed on anyone found guilty.