Dr. Sheena: COVID-19 cases could die down in late September

HPA consultant epidemiologist Dr. Sheena Moosa has estimated that the Male' City area could see a drop in COVID-19 case numbers by the end of September.

Speaking in a program of PSM last night, Dr. Sheena said that the virus was spreading rapidly in the capital and that the case numbers could possibly be reduced by the end of September after the substantial increase.

"Based on the current situation, the virus has spread rapidly. Cases could go down on this trajectory," said Dr. Sheena.

Dr. Sheena reflected on projections she shared in August estimating similar results. 

"So, things will remain at this level for some time. However, cases could reduce by the end of this month," said Dr. Sheena.

She noted that the cases in the capital reduced the most when the public complied with the instructions of the authorities the most. She said that the hope was that the public would continue adhering to the instructions after easements were introduced to the lockdown. 

"The massive spread is because of the lack of compliance as per the estimations made when the easements were brought," said Dr. Sheena.

She said that the health workers in Male' City area were exhausted and that the bed capacity of the COVID-19 facility in Hulhumale' was also at its peak.

The reduction in cases could mean the ability to manage the situation in Male' City and that such a reduction could only come from higher compliance by the public to instructions.