Former MP tests positive for COVID-19, receiving treatment from ventilator

Former parliamentarian for R. Atoll Ismail Zakariyya has tested positive for COVID-19 and is receiving treatment through a ventilator. 

The 79-year old former parliamentarian tested positive for the virus on August 13. 

MNDF spokesperson Maj. Ibrahim Azim, who is the son of the former lawmaker, said that Zakariyya was receiving treatment at the Dharumavantha Hospital after being moved from the Hulhumale’ Medical Facility on August 14. Zakariyya was moved after his condition deteriorated. 

“My father did not go outdoors. He contracted the virus from someone that visited the residence.” Said Maj. Azim, who added that his father had not received treatment for a serious illness before and was a very active person despite his age. 

Ismail Zakariyya had served the country for a long time. Zakariyya is also the father of former footballer Shah Ismail. Zakariyya last worked in the Youth and Sports Ministry.

HPA officials in a press conference said that the Maldives currently had 2,413 active cases with 152 hospitalized. 

The country has confirmed more than 6,200 cases.