Health Minister Abdullah Ameen confirms the first Covid-19 related death in the Maldives with an 83-year-old woman dying after contracting the illness.
Speaking at the emergency press conference held online, Minister said the deceased was a contact of previously confirmed Covid-19 patient, case 126.
This patient tested positive for Covid-19 on the 24th of April.
The Minister said following contact tracing the residential building at which the deceased lived had been placed under monitoring.
Ameen said her sample was taken on the 27th of April and that the deceased was rushed to the hospital yesterday evening after complaining of having breathing difficulties.
Ameen said she was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital and the result of the test came back positive after her death.
The Minister offered condolences to the family of the deceased on behalf of the government and the people of Maldives.
Ameen also said specially trained MNDF female officers would carry out the last rites for the individual as per the instructions of the religious scholars.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same press briefing TAG team’s Dr. Ali Latheef said the patient had several underlying health issues including diabetics and hypertension. He also said the patient had been admitted three times this past year and treated for pneumonia.
A total of 280 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 in the Maldives
