Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq at the NEOC press conference today has said that research shows that the community spread would hit its peak within 14 days and so the days ahead are going to be challenging.

In response to a question from a journalist at the press conference today, Dr. Nazla said that the model done in the Maldives regarding the pandemic was done again with the new cases and it shows that the epidemic would hit its peak within 14 days after community cases surfaces.

She said that the nation has to be very vigilant in the coming days as a lot of hard work is ahead for the community. And advised the public to report symptoms as soon as possible.

Dr. Nazla said that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is testing everyone they find via contact tracing regardless of whether they show any symptoms; hence, the number of total cases has increased. She said that the relevant institutes have to work fast and efficiently in the current situation.

The first positive case in the Maldivian capital was confirmed on the morning of 15 April and a lock down was initiated for the Male’ area. Since then, a nationwide lock down has been implemented with a 14-day lock down on the capital city.