Health Protection Agency (HPA) official Dr Ibrahim Afzal confirms a randomly collected sample from Male' City tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Dr Afzal revealed the new development at Wednesday evening's press conference at National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC). The nationality and other personal details of the individual have not been disclosed.
Random samples were collected by health officials and local safety authorities from individuals who were stopped on road while traveling outside amid lockdown period.
The presence of the viral contagion, revealed from a random sample attests alarming extent of community spread.
As of Wednesday, 29 April, evening Maldives reports 278 total cases that have been tested positive for the virus.
The real-time updates through Ministry of Health dashboard revealed 261 active cases and 17 recoveries.
Maldives capital is regarded as one of the most densely populated cities in the region; with a strong populace of expatriates in the mainland. Authorities confirm many of the COVID-19 clusters were present in areas and places frequented or resided by expatriates.
The largest cluster was however identified at the local market venue of Male' City, an area identified as the busiest and crowded spots in the capital city.
