COVID-19: Hospital capacity in Male' City at 62 percent

Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) spokesperson Dr. Nazla Rafeeq has said that 62 percent of the capacity of hospitals designated for COVID-19 in the Male’ City area are now full, amidst an increased spread of cases.

The Maldives has so far confirmed 6,660 cases of the virus, along with 4,113 recoveries. Active cases currently number at 2,486, while 169 are hospitalized for treatment. 

The capacity of the Hulhumale’ Medical Facility and the Dharumavantha Hospital are 200 patients. Dr. Nazla, in a tweet, said that 62 percent of the capacity was now full. Occupancy was below 30 during the end of May and the beginning of July. 

However, the beginning of August has seen a stark increase in cases once again, which has led to an increase in alarm over the bed capacity to treat patients. 

Dr. Nazla advised the public to adhere to safety regulations in light of the situation. The number of cases among the elderly are also on the rise. All of these factors could lead the country to reach its capacity for treatment. 

Safety measures have been strengthened in light of the COVID-19 case increase as well. Motor vehicles will be banned from 20:00 to 5:00 starting from tonight.  Masks have also been made mandatory since August.