Maldives’ Covid-19 tally has reached 68,502 with the 552 new cases reported on Monday.

While the cases were confirmed from 5,043 samples tested, 271 were detected from capital Male’ region while 249 are from residential islands, 31 from resorts and one case from an island under operation.

Further, total recoveries stands at 49,844, with the 1,758 recoveries reported on Monday. There are currently 18,462 active coronavirus cases in the island nation.

Also, an additional coronavirus-related death was reported on Monday night, bringing the death toll to 188. Two deaths were reported earlier on Monday as well, and the latest victim is a 75-year-old local man who was receiving treatment at the Hulhumale' Medical Facility (HMF). Monday's victims also include 100-year-old Fiyaathoshi Ahmed Manik; Manik is the oldest confirmed Covid-19 victim in the Maldives.

164 patients are currently admitted at hospitals across the country, three more than the previous day.

While the government began easing Covid-19 restrictions last year following a decline in cases, there has since been a spike, especially last month forcing authorities to strengthen Covid-19 restrictions especially in the capital. This includes an unofficial lockdown of the city, with a curfew imposed from 4pm to 8am and residents requiring permits to be out on the roads even during the remaining time.

Since the measures were strengthened in mid-May, reported daily cases have been decreasing gradually.