Health Protection Agency HPA urges travellers of ‘Amaaz’ boat to notify authorities after the captain of the vessel tested positive for Covid-19.
With the vessel making stops at several islands, fear of a massive outbreak of the virus in the islands have grown.
12 Islands have now been placed under monitoring including 2 islands from Haa Alif Atoll, 5 islands from Noonu Atoll and 5 more from Shaviyani Atoll.
Speaking more on the matter, HPA’s Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said from the individuals tested positive for Covid-19, case 33 was a 49-year-old male and that this person was the captain of ‘Amaaz’ boat. Dr. Afazal said contact tracing of the individual had identified 51 contacts and 5 of these contacts are showing Covid-19 like symptoms.
Dr. Afzal explained that the boat left port from Male’ on the 15th of this month and made several stops at different islands on its journey. He said as the boat made numerous stops, there is a greater risk of the virus spreading to many islands.
Dr. Afzal said 98 passengers and crew travelled on the boat and HPA was working to contact them all. He urged all those who travelled on the boat to come forward and notify the agency.
The islands placed under monitoring regarding this include N. Holhudhoo, Sh. Funadhoo, Sh. Narurdhoo, Sh. Milandhoo, Sh. Feevah and Sh. Maaugudhoo. Additionally, N. Velidhoo, N. Maafaru, N. Miladhoo, N. Kendhikulhudhoo, N. Hebudhoo, Ha. Utheem and Ha. Dhidhoo.
