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69 cases identified from Dhevvadhoo COVID-19 cluster

Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated 69 people have tested positive for COVID-19 from the cluster formed in Dhevvadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

Speaking at a press conference held at HEOC, Spokesperson Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said a total of 69 people have so far tested positive for COVID-19 from the Dhevvadhoo cluster, including 55 people from Dhevvadhoo, 4 people from Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll, 6 people from Dhaandhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and 2 people each from Hulhumale’ and Villingili, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

The first case of COVID-19 in Dhevvadhoo was reported on December 24, when a child in home quarantine tested positive for COVID-19, after which several random samples were collected. Dhevvadhoo and other islands which have reported positive cases from the Dhevvadhoo cluster have been placed under monitoring by Health Protection Agency (HPA).

HPA has asked all individuals who have travelled from Dhevvadhoo to another island since November 30 to notify the agency. The agency has also urged such individuals to visit the nearest flu clinic to test for COVID-19.