The total number of Covid-19 infections identified from the cluster in Baarah island of Haa Alif atoll, has reached 22.

Spokesperson at the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC), Dr. Nazla Rafeeq revealed that 22 Covid-19 infections have been identified from the cluster and that the first nine cases were confirmed on February 28.

The nine individuals were among 10 persons who quarantined at home for 10 days and tested positive through release samples.

Four other infections were discovered on Tuesday, followed by nine cases on Thursday.

A total of 158 samples have been tested from the island thus far.

The four cases discovered on March 2 were not from quarantined persons and contact tracing is currently underway.

HEOC has urged the island residents to cooperate with efforts to curb the spread of the virus on the northern island.

Out of the 22 Covid-19 patients, one high-risk patient has since been moved to the Covid-19 facility in Funadhoo island of Shaviyani atoll.

Several additional measures have since been implemented to curb the spread of the virus on Baarah island.

Some of these measures include closing shops, restaurants, cafés and tea shops at a specific time, instructing residents to seek permits from the island council before visiting shops as well as maintaining hygiene at mosques.

The island council is keeping a close eye on the community’s adherence to these measures and noted that they have been receiving cooperation and support from the island community thus far.

The island council further revealed that they are not facing any difficulties in acquiring food staples or other essentials currently, going on to state that another shipment of staple food items is expected to arrive within the upcoming days.

Monitoring measures are currently in place in Baarah, as well as Dhevvadhoo island in Gaaf Alif atoll and southernmost Addu and Fuvahmulah cities.