The 80-year-old patient who tested positive for Covid-19 from the capital earlier on Tuesday and is currently being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Dharumavantha Hospital had been bedridden for two years following a stroke.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday evening, Dr Moosa Hussain revealed that the patient had been bedridden for two years due to a stroke, before being tested positive for Covid-19.

Further, the patient had several comorbidities including diabetics, high blood pressure and cholesterol and was frequently admitted for treatment of recurrent respiratory pneumonia.

Stressing that the patient suffered from other conditions, the doctor revealed that patient 81’s oxygen level was at 94 percent when brought in, whereas a healthy individual has a 98 percent oxygen level. This is a warning signal, said the doctor, adding that those immune-comprised are more prone to such diseases.

In addition, the doctor stressed that the 80-year-old being exposed to the virus shows just how much the virus has spread within the community.

Dr. Moosa urged caretakers of the sickly to practice caution and always use protective masks and frequently wash their hands with soap. Individuals have also been asked to refrain from visiting the sickly.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that this individual is among the 14 new cases announced from capital Malé City on Tuesday afternoon; eight Maldivians and six Bangladeshi nationals.