Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has tested positive for coronavirus as the island nation battles an increase in new cases. Gayoom, who held power for three decades, was checked after he developed a fever, a former aide close to the family said.
“I have tested positive for Covid-19,” the 82-year-old politician wrote on Twitter. “May Almighty Allah bless me and all other sick people with a speedy recovery and good health!”
After leaving office in 2008 Gayoom has remained an active political figure. Opponents have accused him of being an autocratic leader during his three decades in power. The Maldives has reported a total of 7,047 infections and 28 deaths since the virus began to spread.
I wish he recovered quickly. An assistant close to the family of former President Gayoom said he went to the hospital to be examined and was determined to be infected with nCoV after having a fever. Currently there is no specific information about his health status.