Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed the spread of communicable diseases in the Maldives is at its lowest in 4 years, due to the physical distancing measures implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the daily press briefing. Epidemiologist Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said the spread of communicable diseases, such as common flu and viral fever, usually increases in the first five months of every year. However, he said the rate of spread has been low this year, representing the lowest figures in four years.
The doctor attributed the decrease in the spread of communicable diseases to the physical distancing measures implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he noted public compliance with personal safety instructions given by health authorities has contributed to the decrease in the spread of diseases.
Due to the decrease in individuals visiting hospitals for consultation, HPA has been collecting information on individuals seeking online consultations as well. The agency reported the overall figures of individuals contracting Influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) have been relatively low in the Maldives this year, despite the COVID-19 situation.