The Soneva-funded COVID-19 testing center was officially inaugurated today at Maafaru airport in Noonu atoll, by the Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen and CEO of ADK Hospitals, Mr. Ahmed Nashid during an online ceremony.
Soneva’s CEO and founder Sonu Shivdasani, and General Manager of Velaa Private Island also participated in the event.
My team and I conferred with many infectious disease experts from around the world whilst we composed our COVID response. We consider testing a crucial aspect of our approach. Our conversations with these leading experts, who are at the front line of the battle against COVID confirmed that this virus is less virulent than past viruses including the severe flu that the world was inflicted by 2018. Ironically, it is the fact that it is much milder than past severe viruses and flu’s that has brought the world to a standstill. Because it is less virulent, the initial signs of infection that usually oblige someone to naturally self-isolate and lead others to stay away, is absent. COVID has had many asymptomatic carriers and as a result, the R rate of this virus is substantially higher than viruses that have come before. The best method to reduce the R rate is to test, test, and test again.
Sonu Shivdasani, Soneva’s CEO and founder
The new testing centre was built in just 30 days and offers tourists and locals the ability to get a COVID-19 test result in less than 24 hours.
The facility uses the Roche Lifecycle 96 machine, and can process up to 700 tests per day. The centre will be operated by ADK Hospitals, and funded by Soneva and Velaa.
Soneva plans to test all guests and hosts (staff members) prior to their arrival at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani resorts. Guests will be asked to remain in the privacy of their villa, private pool and private beach for a maximum of 24 hours until the test results are received. If the result is negative, they will be free to leave their rooms and carry on as normal. Soneva’s ‘new normal’ video can be viewed here.
Although the Maldives Government has not mandated coronavirus tests for tourists, Soneva believes that by testing everyone who comes onto their resorts, they can create safe, virus-free islands where people can relax and enjoy their holiday without having to worry about COVID-19.
In addition to funding the running of the facility, Soneva and Velaa have donated 2,500 test kits to the Government, to help with national preparations against the coronavirus.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen said: “Maafaru testing centre could not have come at a more crucial time. As the country gears to reopen borders testing for Covid-19 becomes even more critical. In addition to testing guests and staff, the facility at Maafaru can cater to the testing needs of the local population. I would like to thank Soneva, Velaa and ADK for this remarkable gesture of corporate social responsibility.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Sonu Shivdasani thanked the honourable attendees for their presence. He also gave special thanks to Ahmed Nashid, the CEO of ADK, and Fardeen Mohamed, Chief Operating Officer of ADK, who had played an important role in obtaining the test machine and all the related equipment. He also thanked the Soneva team members that were involved in this remarkable achievement of obtaining equipment, building a Laboratory and completing all of these within 30 days.
