Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated over 13,000 people could be infected with COVID-19 in the next six months if the control measures are not properly implemented in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held at the HEOC, public health expert Dr. Sheena Moosa shared the latest projections of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Maldives. The projections indicate 13,784 people would be infected with COVID-19 in the next six months.
The projections indicate the highest number of COVID-19 cases will be recorded in August, with 2,373 cases at an average of 170 cases per day. A total of 475 patients are expected to be hospitalised during August, including 47 ICU admissions.
The projections indicate the situation would start to improve in September, although 1,464 new cases are still expected during the month at an average of 105 cases per day. The total number of patients hospitalised is projected to be at 293 during the month, including 29 ICU admissions.
The COVID-19 outbreak is expected to be under control by the end of the year, with an average of 18 cases per day projected for December. An average of two patients are expected to be hospitalised per day during December.
The public health expert expressed concerns over the rising number of elderly people contracting COVID-19 in the Maldives. Noting that would increase the number of patients requiring hospitalisation and ICU admission, Dr. Sheena noted the COVID-19 treatment facilities and ICU beds established in the Greater Male' Region would barely be sufficient in such a situation. She called on the public to limit movements and contacts in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to ensure the outbreak is contained within the capacity of the healthcare system.