Muammar Mohamed is the first Maldivian to have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Maldives after returning to the country via Dubai upon the completion of his military training in the United Kingdom.
The soldier shared with RaajjeTV, how he faced the deadly pandemic while serving in the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), his experience and the challenges he was presented with in the face of the pandemic.
“Once I found out I had contracted the virus, I tried not to panic”
According to Muammar, he had not exhibited any Covid-19 like symptoms even when he was taken into quarantine at Holiday Island Resort upon returning from UK. However, he was careful to pay extra heed to precautionary measures all the way from the airport to the quarantine facility.
The following day Muammar developed a fever upon which he immediately informed the Health Protection Agency (HPA). After testing positive, Muammar asked himself what needed to be done next. Even then, he had attempted to remain calm and think ahead to the measures that needed to be followed next.
When I was told that I was positive for Covid-19, the first thing that crossed my mind was what will happen next, my first question was, what is the solution to this? It is very important to not panic when you find out that you have contracted the virus, this disease does not take the lives of everyone who contracts it. The chances to recover from the disease are high if you identify the symptoms and take early action and acquire treatment at the earliest.”Muammar, the first-ever Maldivian Covid-19 patient in the Maldives
Highlighting that his family members were immediately panic-stricken upon receiving the news, Muammar noted that he was showered with immense assistance and support from his family. The biggest encouragement Muammar received on his journey to recovery was the continuous motivation from his immediate family and his MNDF family.
“The most difficult day was when I was moved to Velidhu Isolation from Holiday island”
The most challenging day during his recovery journey was the day he was transferred from Holiday Island Resort into the isolation facility at Velidhu Island Resort, said Muammar. Varied feelings stirred within Muammar when he saw the team of frontline workers who took him to the facility, clad in Hazmat suits and intense protective gear. However, the soldier received immense cooperation from doctors and nurses.
Highlighting that doctors and nurses checked his blood pressure and oxygen levels regularly, Muammar noted that even then, he had “mild” symptoms, with a fever of 38°. By the third day, Muammar’s fever completely simmered down and his symptoms were also at an average. His body aches, temporary anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) and fatigue were visibly improving day by day.
Muammar’s message: “With unity, we will emerge victorious in this battle”
Having broken free from the pandemic’s grip, Muammar has once again joined the armed forces to serve the nation. With this, he has a special message to the people: national unity is needed to emerge victorious in the battle against this plague, cooperation extended towards one another plays an important role in this feat.
We can defeat this disease, if we follow instructions from doctors, we all can get through this”Muammar, the first-ever Maldivian Covid-19 patient in the Maldives
After recovering from the disease, Muammar joined the armed forces in service of the nation with a new spirit, under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and instructions from MNDF leaders. His message to the frontline workers and MNDF personnel who are risking their lives to save the country from this pandemic, is to stick together as one in the battle against the virus, in order to taste the sweetness of victory.
