Low testing capacity for COVID-19 raises concerns from experts

National Emergency Operations Center consultant, Dr. Sheena Moosa expressed worrying concern that the testing capacity for COVID-19 in the Maldives was still at a relative low.

In a press conference tonight, Dr. Sheena stated that due to the low testing capacity, the virus was spreading between families who are oblivious to it.

This posed a danger to the elderly individuals and people with long-term illnesses in the community, says Dr. Sheena. 

“It is a concerning aspect that testing is not enough. The virus may cause a deterioration in the condition of people with chronic illnesses without being aware. This means that when we get the patient, the condition is serious. That we cannot manage it. That the risk remains undetected early on,”

“So it is very important that we actively identify the virus early on. Especially for elderly people and people with chronic illnesses.” Says Dr. Sheena.

She added that apart from contact tracing and active surveillance, HPA was conducting testing on people who contact the flu clinic as well.

She stressed the importance of revising and increasing the capacity to find active cases. 

“Just like other things, due to the global burden, delays are faced in obtaining for the Maldives as well. However, that also poses a risk. That is why we are not detecting the cases when our projections show that infections may be at this level. It is spreading in a hidden manner between families.” Says Dr. Sheena.

Projections displayed at tonight’s press conference show that the country may reach its peak of the virus infections on May 31. Dr. Sheena stated that the number of infections identified on that day maybe around 390, however, the real rate of infections could be as high as 1562.