Authorities investigating negligence claims over Covid-19 related death

Authorities are investigating possible negligence leading to the death of an elderly woman.

Aminath Adam, 83, passed away on Wednesday evening. While she was a primary contact of a Covid-19 case confirmed on April 24, her test results came back after her death.

While this is Maldives’ first Covid-19 related death, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen confirmed this at an emergency press conference early Thursday morning.

Aminath’s residence was placed under monitoring following a confirmed Covid-19 cases, and samples were taken for Covid-19 testing early morning on April 28.

She was taken to hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties on Wednesday evening, and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Noting that she was at a higher risk of being infected with the virus due to her age and other medical conditions, her family has accused authorities of negligence, over the delay in testing.

However, authorities denied any negligence at the press conference, but the health minister said that the matter will be investigated.

Highlighting that investigations will be conducted into the claims of negligence, Ameen said that Covid-19 standard operating procedures will be amended “if required”.