Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated the number of COVID-19 deaths do not directly reflect the community spread situation of the virus.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq noted most individuals who die from COVID-19 suffer from other long-term illnesses and are usually admitted in hospital for a long period of time. In this regard, she noted the last individual who died from COVID-19 in the Maldives had been hospitalised for 23 days.
Therefore, the spokesperson said the number of COVID-19 deaths are not a direct indicator of the community spread situation in the country. She noted the best indicators of community spread are the number of unlinked cases and the positivity rate from flu clinics.
Dr. Nazla further noted although most COVID-19 deaths are related to other long-term illnesses, the virus cannot be taken lightly. As such, she said studies have shown that several individuals who fully recover from the disease without many symptoms have also reported subsequent effects of the virus to different organs. Therefore, she reiterated the call to stay wary of the disease and to take the necessary precautions.
So far, a total of 44 individuals have died from COVID-19 in the Maldives. This includes 36 locals and 8 expatriates.