NEOC: Flatter curve indicates COVID-19 cases have slowed down

National Emergency Operations Center announced last night that the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives has slowed down as of recently when compared with previous estimates.

A press conference held last night saw NEOC spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez describe the current situation as a having a flatter curve on the graphs than the first curve predicting the caseload to be expected in the Maldives.

“It means that the percentage of infections has been reduced when compared with the initial projections.” Said Mabrouq.

At first, it was estimated by health professionals that the country could have more than 100,000 infections, which could see the health sector overburdened. The projections have since then been revised to around 77,000 cases which can be attributed to stringent safety measures. 

Authorities have also estimated that the Maldives could reach its peak of the virus by May 31, with a total number of active cases numbered at 6804. Projections also show that 281 people may have to be hospitalized, while 101 individuals may require intensive care. The country’s capacity of 100 ICU beds could be filled if cases increased in the projected manner.

Speaking in a previous press conference, Dr. Sheena Moosa who works as a consultant for the NEOC stated that the true picture of the virus was not evident due to the low testing capacity of the country. The actual number of infections would be visible when the testing capacity was ramped up.

Last night, Mabrouq said that the testing capacity of the country was also being increased rapidly. Arrangements for testing have also been made in ADK Hospital and will be operational within a week. The hospital would have the capacity to process 500 samples per day.

Dr. Ibrahim Afzal, a medical officer at NEOC stated at the press conference last night that the current reduction of cases was not due to the low testing capacity of the country.

“Testing is ongoing as before. The positive cases are not reduced because we reduced our testing in any sense. From the tests we have done during these few days, we are seeing a reduced caseload.” Said Dr. Afzal.

The Maldives has so far confirmed 968 cases of the virus with 64 cases confirmed in total from yesterday and today.