Maldives to commence anti-body tests for COVID-19

The Maldives will be commencing anti-body testing for COVID-19, Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has confirmed. 

In a press conference last night, HEOC Consultant Dr. Sheena Moosa said that the anti-body testing for the virus set to commence. The testing will be conducted in collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU) in October. 

“We think we can begin in October. Cannot say the date precisely.” Said Dr. Sheena. 

In the press conference, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said that a high number of ant-body tests were needed to determine the proportion of the population with immunity for the virus. 

“The study protocol has now been approved. Logistic arrangements for the purpose are now being sourced.” Said Dr. Nazla. 

ADK Hospital has previously conducted anti-body tests, resulting in a pool of 125 people with anti-bodies out of a testing pool of 3,000. 

The duration of the anti-bodies even if they were found, was still unknown, said Dr. Nazla. 

As of recently, the Maldives has observed a drop in the number of virus cases. The Maldives confirmed 54 cases of the virus yesterday with 67 the day before. 

However, this was not a sign to take the virus lightly, HEOC officials advised.