Maldives confirms three new Covid-19 cases within a week

Within a week, the Maldives has reported three additional Covid-19 cases.

This was revealed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in its latest figures publicized on Monday.

HPA states that the Maldives reported three new Covid-19 infections in the last week, one from the Greater Malé Area and two from other locations such as industrial islands, liveaboard vessels, and resorts.

There were no new Covid-19 illnesses reported from residential islands outside of the capital between February 19 and February 25.

The public health authority recorded one new hospital admission during the reporting period.

With this development, the Maldives Covid-19 case tally now stands at 185,732.

There were no additional Covid-19 fatalities reported this week, therefore the coronavirus death toll remains at 311.

The Maldives recorded its first Covid-19 fatality, in April 2020.

Although the Covid-19 caseload increased in the last year, it has now began to decline. A large surge was seen mainly in the capital region, at that time.

Even if the caseload has been reducing, the public is recommended to keep public and open places clean and disinfected on a regular basis at all times. The HPA also recommended the people to acquire their Covid-19 vaccine shots, emphasizing the necessity of frequent sanitization and hand-washing.

The public health authority again encouraged the public to continue wearing face masks if they are considered high risk or have high risk individuals in their circle, when out in public, if they exhibit symptoms, if they attend gatherings or events with large crowds, while using public transportation vehicles such as taxis, buses, and ferries, as well as while attending indoor activities and other places where public services are provided.

This comes at a time when the administration has also encouraged caution due to rising air pollution in numerous regions of the country.

Due to the detrimental effects of the monsoon season, Maldives has seen an increase in common cold cases in recent weeks. As a result, it is critical to take safety precautions. 

Seeing as healthcare facilities are generally crowded with high-risk patients, the HPA has recommended people to use face masks when visiting hospitals, health centers, and clinics for everyone's safety. 

The public health authority has also asked people to limit their hospital visits and only go if absolutely essential.

The nationwide state of public health emergency issued on March 12, 2020, was lifted on March 13, 2022.