Positve case numbers could increase if testing is ramped up

Government spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez has said that there is a very real chance that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Maldives could increase if testing was increased.

In the one week since the capital confirmed the first case of the virus, it has confirmed a further 65 cases. The capital confirmed 17 cases on Monday as well as Sunday, while 15 cases of the virus were confirmed yesterday. So far, two cases have been confirmed today.

Responding to a question by Sun in a press conference today, Mabrouq said that the authorities were conducting 200-300 tests on a daily basis and that delays were faced in obtaining the results of these tests. He added that the number of positive cases could increase if testing was ramped up.

“The fact that the results are received at around the same time when test numbers remain the same and the number of contacts identified keeps on increasing, doesn’t mean that the number of positive cases is fewer,”

“That is a good point. If the number of tests are increased, the chance for an increase in positive cases could also increase.” Said Mabrouq when asked if the number of positive cases were not increasing due to a reduction in testing.

A total of 2,391 contacts have been identified since last Thursday. The test results of many of these contacts have not yet been received. Mabrouq also pledged to increase testing capacities.

“It may be very well that because 300 tests are conducted daily from suspected people with symptoms, that the number of positive cases are not increasing.” Said Mabrouq.

Mabrouq revealed last night that the Maldives had around 3,100 test kits. He added that a further 5000 test kits are to be received from WHO on Thursday. 20,000 kits are also to be supplied from China including 10,000 from the founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma.

“From the surge noticed in the last two days, TAG advised that the focus should be on High-Risk contacts, and from those, the focus should be on people symptomatic.” Said Mabrouq indicating a shift in policy. He added that samples to be taken from some other islands were also being sped up.

Maldives has so far confirmed 85 cases of the virus along with two probable cases.