Tourist tests positive to Covid-19 from K. Huraa, random sampling underway

Random sampling is being conducted at Huraa island in Kaafu atoll, after a tourist in the island tested positive for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In an announcement, the island’s Emergency Operations Center revealed that the tourist had been taken to an isolation facility after testing positive for the infection.

The facility in question is isolated from other guests and employees at the guesthouse the tourist made bookings at.

The positive patient is doing well, revealed the island’s Emergency Operations Center.

Further, the statement goes on to read that authorities are working to identify direct contacts of the positive case, some of whom have already been quarantined.

Random sampling is being conducted by the authorities, in collaboration with the island’s health center, from the guesthouses on the island, restaurants, shops and places that provide general services to the island community.

The island residents have been urged to strictly adhere to safety and precautionary measures that have been implemented in light of the Covid-19 case.

Maldives reopened borders for international travel on July 15, a little over three months after halting the issuance of on-arrival visas. The authorities gave guesthouses the green light to open on October 15, under a specific set of guidelines.

Earlier, the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) had stressed that if the guidelines are not followed, there will be challenges to the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the infection.

Statistics publicized by authorities reveal that a total of 122 tourists have tested positive COVID since Maldives reopened borders for international travel, out of which 52 cases are currently active among tourists.