Health Emergency Operation Center HEOC Spokesperson Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq says authorities are working to enhance the COVID-19 testing capabilities across the nation.
Speaking at the latest news briefing held by HEOC, Dr. Nazla said although the testing capacity in the country was low in February of this year, now authorities can test 17000 samples in 24 hours.
Dr. Nazla noted that with the improvement in the testing capabilities, authorities had worked to enhance the capabilities further across the nation by dividing the country into zones.
She explained that right now labs in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atolls can test 60 samples per day and authorities were now working to upgrade this value to 200.
Dr. Nazla said the testing capacity of Atolls Noonu, Raa, Baa, and Lhaviyani is currently 80 samples per day. She added in Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, and Alifu Dhaalu Atoll the testing capacity is between 1000 to 1300 samples per day.
HEOC Spokesperson said that in Atolls of Gaafu Dhaalu, Thaa, and Laamu testing capacity has now reached 80 samples per day while the Atoll of Gaafu Alifu also shared the same testing capacity.
Dr. Nazla said in Addu City and Fuvamulah City 60 samples can be tested per day.
Noting the different testing labs across the country, Dr. Nazla said testing can be done at Haa Dhaalu Kulhudufushi COVID facility, a private lab in Noonu Maafaru can conduct PCR testing and that labs in Raa Ungoofaaru and Baa Eydhafushi can test samples using gene expert machines.
Dr. Nazla also noted labs in IGMH, ADK, and police lab in the Male’ Area can test COVID-19 samples while Hulhumale Hospital is set to begin PCR testing today. She added that the lab in Maldives Food and Drug Authority would also begin PCR testing within this month.
They first should fix their portal and have a streamlined, coordinated, updated info service for all people in quarantine. I personally was tested on January 1st 1970 according to their information. My friend who sent all information re his move from Male to Vilufushi for quarantine never had this info updated in their system. I'm sure, if you'd scratch a bit longer, you'd find plenty of similar stories all over the country.