Dr. Sheena: COVID-19 positive cases in Maldives may reach 77,000

Health professionals in the Maldives have warned that the country may suffer more than 77,000 cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Speaking in a news conference tonight, NEOC consultant Dr. Sheena Moosa stated that projections have shown that the Maldives may suffer 77,305 cases of COVID-19 in total.

The number of people that could be hospitalized due to the virus was around 13,568, according to the projections. 5805 individuals may also have to be placed in intensive care, says Dr. Sheena.

“From the projections of the lockdown situation for the whole epidemic, we are estimating 77,000 people will be infected.” Says Dr. Sheena who also pointed out that it was a worrying concern that the testing capability for the country still remained relatively low.

She estimated that the country would reach its peak of the virus by May 31. Authorities will be able to identify 390 cases on the peak day, while 1562 cases may occur in reality, says Dr. Sheena.

“If the current testing capacity or strategy is not revised, we would be able to detect around 400 cases (on the peak day). The actual figures of infections could be around 1500.” Says Dr. Sheena.

The projections were formed by Dr. Sheena and were presented at the press conference tonight. She is a Ph. D holder in public health and has previously served as the Director of Health Services at the Health Ministry of Maldives. She is currently working in the Waikato District Health Board, New Zealand.