Two cases of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic have been detected from ‘Kudakudhinge Hiyaa’, a children’s shelter located in Villimalé.

During Saturday night’s press briefing, the spokesperson at the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC), Dr. Nazla Rafeeq revealed that the two children were tested after they exhibited symptoms of the virus.

Contact tracing was carried out following their test results having returned positive and authorities have since identified 89 contacts.

Samples were collected from four additional individuals, who tested negative for the infection.

A total of 86 samples have been collected for Covid-19 testing from the facility, since.

The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has revealed that the two children are doing well and that the children will be transferred to a separate facility, under the instructions of HEOC and the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The ministry went on to assure that all the required measures to ensure the safety of the children will be placed.

‘Kudakudhinge Hiyaa’ is home to many children and the ministry remains vigilant to ensure their safety, in light of which arrangements have been made under the public health authority’s instructions. After having informed the relevant authorities, arrangements have also been made at the facility to ensure that children and caretakers do not meet the children and caretakers residing in the floor where the cases were discovered.

The ministry has also informed the children’s parents of their condition and prohibited entry and exit from the building.