The government has revealed that the condition of the COVID-19 patient admitted at Dharumavantha Hospital has improved significantly.
The 70-year old Italian tourist who was holidaying at Sandies Bathala Island Resort was among the first cases of the virus that the country saw. He was transferred to Dharumavantha Hospital for further monitoring and treatment after his health declined.
The government had earlier revealed that the patient's condition had deteriorated while hospitalised, and that Oxygen was being administered to the patient as his body was unable to maintain the proper oxygen levels.
However, during a press conference held by the National Emergency Operation Centre on Wednesday, the government revealed that the patient's condition has improved significantly, and no longer requires the administration of oxygen.
Speaking on the centre's behalf, Dr. Moosa Murad said the condition of the patients quarantined at the Farukolhufushi Quarantine Facility are also well. They only have minimal signs of flu, revealed the doctor.
He added that the authorities are patiently waiting to test the patients once again to confirm that they are no longer infected with the virus.
13 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in the Maldives thus far. All are foreigners either holidaying or employed in the Maldives. No locals have been infected with the virus thus far.
While the State of Public Health Emergency has been declared in the archipelago for a period of thirty days, the government has taken strict measures to contain the spread of the virus. All schools and colleges have been closed as well as private tuition classes, gyms, theatres and cinemas. Government offices will be closed from 19 to 26 March and government employees have been asked not to leave their homes unless absoloutely necessary. Furthermore, all guesthouses on local islands have been closed and congregational prayers at the mosques in Male' City have been temporarily halted.
