Experts warn COVID-19 could become a seasonal disease

One of HPA’s chief epidemiologists, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal has warned that the COVID-19 virus may become a seasonal disease.

In a press conference tonight at the National Emergency Operations Center, the doctor stated that since the world was new to the virus it was difficult to predict how the virus could shape up and current predictions show that these kinds of diseases usually turn into seasonal ones.

“Most of the time, these diseases become endemics throughout the world. Most previous diseases are like that. Take the example of H1N1 (which became a seasonal disease). Diseases that become endemics have a high chance of turning into seasonal diseases. Especially if they as infectious as this. So it is likely that (COVID-19) becomes a seasonal virus.” Said Dr. Afzal as he was responding to a question by a journalist.

He added that the purpose of the lockdown was to control the spread of the virus and treat as many as possible. Another purpose of the lockdown, Dr. Afzal reminded was to reduce the number of infections as much as possible during the time taken to develop a vaccine. 

“The target is to remain in a situation of control during the time taken to develop a vaccine. Our biggest hope is also that a vaccine is developed in that time.” Said Dr. Afzal.

He stated that experts were expecting surge but with the measures in place across the country, he added that they were now expecting a small surge. Even with the limits of the testing capacity as they are now, a surge can be identified, said Dr. Afzal.

The Maldives has now confirmed 982 cases of the virus with four deaths. 46 people have also made full recoveries after being infected with the virus.