Epidemiologist Dr. Ibrahim Afzal says the number of high-risk COVID-19 patients is increasing at an alarming rate with more and more such patients contracting the illness in the Maldives.
Speaking at the latest news briefing by Health Emergency Operations Center HEOC, Dr. Afzal said 446 individuals with chronic medical conditions as well as pregnant women have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country.
He presented an infographic on the data which showed that the 446 include 62 diagnosed with lung diseases, 11 individuals with blood disorders, 110 others with heart conditions, and 84 individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetics.
It also showed that this includes 88 cases of comorbidity and 92 cases of comorbidity along with diabetics.
Comorbidity means more than one disease/condition is present in a person at the same time.
Dr. Afzal’s graphs also showed that the number of pregnant women contracted with COVID-19 is also on the rise.
He said that those going outside are bringing the COVID-19 virus back to their homes and as a result, those most vulnerable to the illness are following sick withing the comforts of their homes.
Meanwhile, the Health Protection Agency confirmed that the number of COVID-19 cases in the Maldives has surpassed 7500 with 109 new cases reported last night.
HPA said that out of the 109, 106 were reported in the Greater Male’ Area while 3 were confirmed from the islands. It said that the new cases include 80 Maldivians, 24 Bangladeshis, 2 Indians, 2 Sri Lankans, and 1 Nepali national.
The total number of COVID-19 cases reported in the Maldives now stands at 7578.
HPA confirmed that 4925 individuals have recovered in the country and that 2619 remained as active cases of COVID-19. While 1482 remained under isolation, 184 individuals have been hospitalized for further treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed 28 lives here in the Maldives including 22 locals and 6 foreigners.
