Covid-19: Maldives reports 124 new cases, 139 recoveries

Maldives reported 124 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, as well as 139 recoveries.

While this is from the 1,036 samples tested within 24 hours, 118 of the cases were detected from the greater Malé region and the remaining from outlying islands.

The new cases include 100 locals, 16 Bangladeshis, three Indians, two Nepalese nationals as well as one each from Philippines, Ukraine and Australia.

This brings the country’s Covid-19 tally to 5,909.

With the additional 139 recoveries, 3,488 people have recovered from the virus in the island nation.

While the country reported its first death to Covid-19 in April, a total of 23 patients have succumbed to the virus since including one on Monday.

There are currently 138 patients receiving treatment at hospitals, eight less than the previous day, and 1,478 individuals are in isolation facilities.

With a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases since the lockdown ease plan was implemented, especially during the third phase, cases from outlying islands have also increased.

While the third phase began in July, this allowed the reopening of borders on July 15. A number of tourists have arrived in the Maldives since, and some of them have tested positive for Covid-19 as well. As such, Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in at least 12 resorts since border reopening. Cases were detected in three additional resorts on Monday.

Further, coronavirus cases have been detected from 15 residential islands as well.

The surge in Covid-19 cases prompted authorities to reintroduce a curfew in the greater Malé region, as well as make face masks mandatory.

Maldives' first few Covid-19 cases were detected from resorts in early March, and a community spread was confirmed a month later on April 15.