National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has revealed it has been about two weeks since the community spread began in Male' City.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Dr. Nazla Mustafa from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) noted considering the date of the first case reported in Male' City it is estimated that it has been about two weeks since the spread began in the capital city. Dr. Nazla further said positive cases and contacts have been identified during the period and the rate of the spread is similar to that of other countries. She said 5% of cases in the Maldives is expected to be critical and would need ventilators.
Speaking at the press conference, Spokesperson of the NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said the government is putting all efforts to contain COVID-19. He said the administration is also receiving support from the international community in the fight against COVID-19 in the Maldives.
Sharing information on the statistics, Mabrook stated a total of 4,383 samples have been collected in the Maldives, of which 4,041 have tested negative for COVID-19. NEOC is currently treating 66 of the 84 cases tested positive, while 2 foreigners who contracted COVID-19 while in the Maldives are undergoing treatment abroad. NEOC stated the results of 259 samples collected are pending.
Mabrook stated Health Protection Agency (HPA) has identified 945 direct contacts of the cases positive, and 1,286 individuals are currently in quarantine facilities, while 138 are staying in isolation. As a precaution 164 places have been placed under monitoring.
The spokesperson stated the government is working to ease the troubles and challenges faced by the people during the lockdown and it is currently taking measures to make arrangements to provide the people with essential needs.