Dr. Afzal: Lockdown easements unlikely to have caused surge

National Emergency Operations Center has stated that the increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in the country today was not connected with the easements brought to restrictive measures across the country.

Maldives today observed one of the biggest surges of COVID-19, with 101 cases. NEOC medical officer, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said in a press conference tonight, that out of the 101 confirmed cases, 79 were from the same cluster of cases. He added that the individuals were residing in the same location.

“We are not saying that we are not worried about the increase in cases. However, it does not seem that the case numbers increased due to us opening up (easements brought to restrictive measures.” Said Dr. Afzal.

Dr. Afzal added that apart from the 79 individuals, 19 were from a smaller cluster while another case was also from a separate cluster. Two independent cases were also identified, said Dr. Afzal. 

“This is atypical increase.” Said the doctor.

The confirmed cases today include 72 Bangladeshi nationals, 21 Indian nationals and eight Maldivians. 

The Maldives has now confirmed 1,773 cases of the virus. Out of these cases, 974 cases are Bangladeshi nationals. 563 Maldivians have also tested positive alongside 186 Indian nationals and 23 Nepalese nationals. Nine Sri Lankans and three Pakistani nationals have also tested positive. 

The easements were introduced to the lockdown due to control in the number of reported cases. Authorities have estimated that around 30-50 cases will be reported in the country per day.