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Second PCR testing machine begins operation

National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has announced the Maldives has begun using an additional PCR machine to test for COVID-19.

Speaking at the daily news briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said with the additional machine previously used in police intelligence, the country can now test an additional 50 samples each day. Until the second machine was put in operation, the Maldives has been testing people for COVID-19 using only one machine available in Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Mabrook said the government is also working to modify blood testing machines in hospitals and health centres in the country to test people for COVID-19. While only two laboratory technologists have carried PCR tests thus far, IGMH is training an additional 16 individuals to conduct the tests.

Speaking further, the spokesperson announced the country has received 5,000 additional test kits for COVID-19.