Maldives Covid-19 case total reaches 15,736

With the 122 new coronavirus cases reported on Saturday, over 100 new infections were detected every day the past week.

While the week started with 108 cases on Sunday, 109 new cases were reported on Monday. The country recorded 145 new infections on Tuesday, 143 on Wednesday, 106 cases on Thursday and 118 cases on Friday.

A total of 851 new infections were reported within the week, bringing the country's total case count for the virus up to 15,736.

The 122 cases reported on Saturday are from the 3,535 samples tested for Covid-19 within 24 hours. 90 of the cases were from the Male' area, while four cases were reported from inhabited islands and 28 from tourist establishments; 25 cases from resorts and three from liveaboard vessels.

An additional 32 recoveries from Covid-19 were observed between Friday and Saturday. The total number of successful virus recoveries recorded in the Maldives is now 14,096, while 51 people have died from Covid-19 related health complications; the most recent death was reported one week ago.

There are currently 1,582 active Covid-19 cases across the country, with 152 patients hospitalized for further care.

The sudden increase in cases, especially in the congested capital city, led to authorities authorities dialing up precautionary measures to control the spread of the infection. As such, the capital's night-time curfew, lifted back in December, was reinstated on Tuesday.

Those traveling to other islands from the capital are still required to observe mandatory quarantine for a 10-day period as well. Further, starting from 29 January, all inbound travelers to the Maldives will be required to quarantine for 10-days, with the exception of those entering the country as tourists.

As the country experiences another surge in coronavirus infections, authorities are preparing to begin vaccine administration from Monday. Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine for emergency use on Thursday.