Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has expressed concern over the growing number of non-linked COVID-19 cases which do not belong to any existing clusters.
Speaking at a press conference held at the HEOC, Consultant Physician Dr. Muaz Moosa said several COVID-19 cases detected recently have shown no relation to previously identified cases, which is an issue of concern as it is a sign of community transmission. He said while the number of new cases identified every day are currently not high, the growing number of non-linked cases could lead to a surge in cases very soon. He advised the public to follow strict safety precautions and to reduce contact with people in order to stay safe from COVID-19.
Epidemiologist at Health Protection Agency (HPA) Dr. Ibrahim Afzal also expressed concern over the number of non-linked COVID-19 cases detected in the Maldives every day. He revealed while the total number of cases detected daily has been maintained at the same rate since the lockdown restrictions were eased, non-linked cases currently represent 30-40% of new cases. Noting this is a relatively high figure, he said measures need to be taken in order to reduce the level of community transmission.
Earlier, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen had also warned negligence to safety measures could lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases, which would ultimately force another lockdown.