Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has revealed 53 people have tested positive for COVID-19 from Biyadhoo Island Resort in Kaafu Atoll.
HEOC stated the first case was reported from Biyadhoo on January 1, when a staff of the resort tested positive for COVID-19. HEOC said a total of 104 samples have been tested from Biyadhoo since the first case was identified, with 53 samples returning positive. This includes 3 new cases reported on January 10.
Meanwhile, HEOC also revealed 22 people have tested positive for COVID-19 from the cluster formed in Dhevvadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. This includes 16 people in Dhevvadhoo, 2 contacts in Hulhumale’ and 4 contacts in Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll.
HEOC said 149 contacts have been identified in relation to the Dhevvadhoo cases, including 50 high-risk individuals and 18 individuals with symptoms. HEOC also said a further 59 contacts were traced from the cases in Fonadhoo, including 10 high-risk individuals and 8 individuals with symptoms.
The first case from Dhevvadhoo was reported on December 23. HEOC states it is likely that COVID-19 has been spreading in the island for even longer, given the randomness of positive test results.
Following the Dhevvadhoo cases, the island has been placed under monitoring, along with Fonadhoo and Gan in Laamu Atoll. Entry and exit from the three islands has been banned until further notice.