Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed tonight that the 72 random samples taken from Asseyri Prison and Male’ Prison last Saturday have tested negative for the rapidly spreading Covid-19.
The random samples were taken as a preventive measure against the virus and to identify the level of exposure of it at the prisons.
The sample collection was carried out at the prisons in collaboration with NEOC. Asseyri Prison samples were collected from 25 inmates and 12 officers and staff while Male’ Prison samples were collected from 15 inmates and remanded persons as well as 20 officers.
The 72 samples from both prisons were collected from inmates and from separate units and officers working in varying fields.
Maafushi Prison was the first prison to test for Covid-19. The sample collection at the Prison was carried out on 08th May 2020 from 15 inmates and 23 officers. All 38 samples were also tested negative for the virus.
