Spokesperson of Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq has stated the Maldives is currently undergoing the worst wave of COVID-19 infections to hit the country yet.
In a tweet posted on February 12, Dr. Nazla said it is absolutely certain that this is the worst wave of COVID-19 infections the Maldives has faced until now. Dr. Nazla said with hospitalisations alarmingly high and only a handful of beds remaining, the state of the country is critical. She once again implored the public to help the health authorities control this virus, adding it is now or never.
Furthermore, Dr. Nazla noted it is very simple to lower the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. As such, she noted the measures needed to control the spread are washing our hands frequently with soap, wearing a mask, staying atleast 3 feet apart from others, keep our bubble small and staying home as much as possible. She also called to get tested immediately upon showing symptoms, for the safety of everyone.
Dr. Nazla’s tweet came at a time the Maldives is experiencing a severe wave of COVID-19, with the daily number of cases soaring above 100 every day for the past two weeks. Number of active cases and hospitalisations have increased at an alarming rate, risking an overload of the healthcare system.