Reducing the number of cases from 19,000 to 29 is in the hands of the public

National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) Medical Officer Dr. Nazla Rafeeq has warned that reducing the potential number of Covid-19 positive cases from 19,000 to 29 within 14-days is in the hands of the public.

Dr. Nazla was speaking in a news conference underway right now when she said so.

Speaking in the press conference, Consultant for NEOC, Dr. Sheena Moosa also said that a lot of awareness is needed to mitigate the current trend in the country right now. She advised people to practice social distancing and remain indoors during this time.

She warned that if the virus gets out of control, the infected cases cannot be treated even if all the medical professionals across the country were mobilized.

Dr. Sheena added that the country would reach its capacity within 14-days and would be overwhelmed within 21 days.

“That means our capacity has been reached now (14 days). Other than that, on the 21st day, at the current rate, our system does not have the capacity to handle,”

“This means that a lot of fatalities may be recorded. If we go through the orange scenario, 2000 fatalities may be recorded in this situation,” said Dr. Sheena indicating to a presentation prepared for possible scenarios in the Maldives and warned that the current trend was an extremely frightening one.

NEOC officials also warned that the country may suffer 2000 fatalities if the virus gets out of control. 

Male' City has so far confirmed eight cases of the virus within three days. The capital is in a state of lockdown for 14-days, while a lockdown has also been imposed on the remainder of the country until further notice. The Maldives has so far confirmed 28 cases of the virus,