Less than 1,000 new Covid-19 cases confirmed across Maldives capital for second consecutive day

For a second consecutive day, public health authorities have confirmed less than 1,000 new Covid-19 infections across the Maldives capital, Malé City.

According to the latest statistics publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a total of 5,186 samples were tested for Covid-19 over the past 24 hours and the new infections detected include 890 reported in the Greater Malé Region, 334 from residential islands and 48 from operational resorts. Further, 10 new infections were confirmed from liveaboard vessels as well as 17 from islands under development.

Over the past 24 hours, the number of recoveries observed nationwide were pushed to 34,621, with 462 recoveries reported between 6pm Tuesday and 6pm Wednesday.

HPA went on to report that Maldives Covid-19 active virus tally rose to 24,867 from 24,033 within 24 hours.

These developments have pushed the Maldives Covid-19 case tally to 59,644.

With a recent spike in daily infections, hospital admissions have also doubled. Statistics reveal that the number of hospital admissions is currently at 285, four patients less than the previous day.

The Covid-19 caseload has begun spiking in recent weeks at a time Maldives was able to control a spike in cases into the beginning of the new year, with strengthened measures such as a curfew period and travel restrictions. However, authorities lifted the measures in place in time for the fasting month of Ramadan 1442 as well as the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections held in mid-April, which led to the caseload increasing like never observed before.

Measures were strengthened across the Maldives earlier in May with authorities having imposed a curfew in the capital region from 4pm to 4am. Effective Wednesday, the curfew hours have been extended from 4pm to 8am and authorities have also imposed movement restrictions for capital region residents outside the curfew hours. Other measures include disallowing dine-in and takeaway services, allowing delivery services for shops, restaurants and cafés with permits from 6am to 12am. Making the announcement during a press briefing on Monday, the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) revealed that special permits are required to go out from 8am to 4pm.

HPA revealed that two household permits will be granted to each residence, of which one permit will allow the resident to go out between 8am and 12pm, the other permit holder may go out between 12pm and 4pm. During this period travel between Malé and Hulhumalé is banned. Malé residents will only be allowed to travel to Villimalé.

Establishments that breach the guidelines and provide services other than delivery will be fined up to MVR 5,000.

Measures were intensified at a time authorities had revealed that discussions were underway on the possibilities of imposing a second lockdown across the Covid-19 epicenter.

Maldives has been in a state of public health emergency for over a year and the last extension is set to expire on June 3.