The number of persons infected with COVID-19 in Moldova can be higher than the one determined by the authorities, Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbrăveanu admitted.

According to her, the persons with serious forms of the infection now represent 5% of those infected, those with average forms - 13%, while those with mild forms and without any symptoms - 82%. 

“It’s clear that there could be asymptomatic persons around us. We every time call on the persons to go to the family doctor if they have symptoms,. But there are a lot of persons who really do not have clinical symptoms and, in such conditions, it is very hard to identify them. At the same time, they are those who transmit the infection,” IPN quoted Viorica Dumbrăveanu as saying in the program “Moldova Live” on Moldova 1 channel.

As to those who have symptoms, but do not go to the family doctor, Viorica Dumbrăveanu said this is a matter of responsibility.

“First of all, they should think about those around as they expose them to the risk of becoming infected, either the family members or workmates. There is also another problem. We have a lot of very serious cases that end in death when the persons go to see a doctor too late. Therefore, we call on them consider all the aspects,” stated the minister.

On October 1, the Republic Moldova reported a record number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 during one day – 1,022. The number of infections rose to over 52,000.

On September 28, the National Extraordinary Public Health Commission declared a state of public health emergency in 26 territorial-administrative units  as of October 1, putting them on red alert. Chisinau is among them.