COVID-19 cases have been found in Kaafu Atoll Maafushi Prison bringing the institution to high alert.

A statement issued by the Maldives Correctional Service today said that among the samples taken from the officers and inmates showing potential symptoms of COVID-19, seven officers and four inmates have tested positive.

Correctional Service said that following the confirmed positive cases, they have implemented the regulations set by the Corrections in accordance with the guidelines of the Health Protection Agency (HPA)and the Prison will be placed under emergency alert from 4 p.m. today.

The statement also said that as a safety measures until the alert is lifted, family visitations, lawyer meetings and court hearings for the inmates in Maafushi Prison will be held online.