Dr. Afzal: Lack of cooperation noticed in collecting samples of elderly for virus

National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has stated that there is a lack of cooperation from the public regarding sample collection for COVID-19 from elderly individuals.

Speaking in a presser tonight, NEOC medical officer Dr. Ibrahim Afzal says that some have declined to provide samples to the authorities. 

“Perhaps there is a stigma of fear that the elderly individual would be moved to another location and may see a deterioration of the condition if tested positive. Or for other fearful reasons, there are some declining to provide samples,” said Dr. Afzal.

He stressed on the importance of random sampling to evaluate how much the virus has gripped the nation.

Since most elderly figures may be receiving treatment for other illnesses, the symptoms of COVID-19 may be mixed with other illnesses, said Dr. Afzal who added that many in the country were not exhibiting any symptoms of the virus. 

The doctor advised the public to cooperate for random sampling and sample collection of elderly individuals.

NEOC also announced tonight that it is searching for three migrants in the country who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Maldives confirmed 51 cases of the virus in the last 24 hours, with the total tally at 955. The number of recoveries in the country also reached 40 tonight.