Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives – Kandima Maldives has announced that the PCR machines donated to Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll would start operating in January 2021.
According to the resort, difficulties in procuring other required equipment such as refrigerators and shelf frames had delayed efforts to begin testing using the PCR machines which were donated in to the island in July. The PCR machines can also be utilised to screen for other diseases such as dengue in addition to COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
The resort has revealed that it is collaborating with the Ministry of Health regarding testing efforts in Dhaalu Atoll and has also revealed plans to donate PCR machines to Dharavandhoo in Dhaalu Atoll to facilitate COVID-19 testing on the island. Currently, PCR testing for COVID-19 is conducted in Addu City and Kulhudhuffushi City, as well as Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), ADK Hospital and the police forensic service in the capital city of Male’.
In addition to this, GeneXpert cartridges donated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are utilised for COVID-19 testing in Shaviyani Atoll Hospital in Funadhoo, Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital in Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll Hospital in Eydhafushi, Gan Regional Hospital in Laamu Atoll, Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital in Villingili and Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu.
At present, Maldives records a total of 13,735 virus cases of which 558 are active cases, in addition to 13,125 recoveries and 48 deaths. While a new strain of the Covid-19 virus has been discovered in UK, health officials urge the public to be more vigilant to prevent another outbreak as the chance of the new variant of the virus teaching Maldives is very high, according to Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC). The new strain of the virus has now been found in neighbouring countries India and Pakistan as well.
