The center for special needs at Kaafu Atoll Guraidhoo has been locked down after a number of patients and staff has tested positive for COVID-19.

An announcement made by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services said that the facility has been under lockdown since 6 p.m. yesterday.

The Gender Ministry's announced said that the to ensure the safety of the patients and the staff, the Guraidhoo Health Center is assisting under the regulations of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Gender Ministry said that samples have been taken from veryone at the facility to test for COVID-19 and are being monitored regularly while those who tests positive are being transferred to a COVID treatment facility while others are being isolated for safety.

Meanwhile, Minister of Gender, Aishath Mohamed Didi has discussed the efforts to resume Guraidhoo to normal state with the President of Guraidhoo Island Council and the heads of the Guraidhoo Health Center and the center for special needs.

The Ministry said that everything needed to stay under lockdown has been delivered along with PPEs along with other medical supplies and consumables for use in the future. The Ministry has also arrange to bring one more staff to the island to help control the outbreak.

Guraidhoo is under monitoring with 108 positive cases on the island.