The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) at the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated the country can continue with the current ease of restrictions without a lockdown, should the public take proper safety measures and precautions.
Speaking at a press conference on the current situation of the Maldives, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed from TAG said the authorities will monitor the number of positive cases reported at flu clinics and the number of independent cases, in addition to number of people with COVID-19 admitted in hospitals, before any decision is taken to impose another lockdown. Stating the numbers are on the rise, Dr. Shaheed said 5% of the cases were reported from flu clinics in the past, while the number has now increased to 9% between July 8 and 14. He further said the number of people consulting flu clinics due to common colds are also on the rise. He added COVID-19 is spreading faster than before as the doubling time has shortened than prior records.
The doctor further said the increased number of reported independent cases also indicate COVID-19 is spreading faster as 91 of 300 cases testing positive for COVID-19 between July 8 and 14 are independent or unlinked cases. In addition, he said although 13 individuals were previously admitted in hospitals, the numbers have increased to 39 during the same period this month. He urged the public to ensure safety by social distancing and wearing masks as well as by washing hands in efforts to flatten the curve. He said the authorities are closely monitoring the trend in the country and should the numbers go higher as the current trend shows, the government must enforce stricter safety measures.
The past two days have recorded fewer cases after a significant increase in the number of positive cases following the ease of restrictions. The total number of recorded COVID-19 cases in the Maldives now stands at 2,930 of which 2,354 have successfully recovered.