National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has predicted over 100,000 people could be infected with COVID-19 in the Maldives, if the outbreak is not controlled.
During the daily press briefing, a presentation was given on the predictions of how the COVID-19 pandemic could develop in the Maldives. The presentation was given by Dr. Sheena Moosa, a Maldivian doctor who works at the District Health Board of Waikato, New Zealand. She has previously served in senior positions at the Ministry of Health of the Maldives.
During the presentation. Dr. Sheena explained over 22,000 cases could be found in the Maldives within a few weeks, considering the current level of physical and social distancing in the country. The doctor said if the situation is not controlled, over 100,000 people could be infected in total, leading to about 2,000 deaths. She added the number of patients who need ventilation would also increase within the next few weeks.
Dr. Sheena said the escalation of cases will lead to difficulties in treating patients, as it could exceed the capacity of the healthcare system in the Maldives. She noted it is likely many would not be able to receive adequate treatment in such a situation.
Reiterating the lack of capacity of the Maldivian healthcare system to cope with a such a surge in COVID-19 cases, Dr. Sheena stated there are not enough hospital beds or healthcare workers in the country to cope with the surge if it keeps increasing at the current rate. She also noted the surge is expected to accelerate during the upcoming Ramadan, and called for public cooperation in making sure the situation does not escalate to a level where patients cannot be treated.
Concluding her presentation, the doctor repeatedly urged the public to stay indoors and to avoid any sort of gatherings in order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.