On Friday, 133 new cases of Covid-19 were reported from across the Maldives, with 117 of those cases corresponding to infections confirmed from the Male' area.

While 117 of Friday's 133 new cases were reported from Male' City, an additional four cases were confirmed from inhabited islands, along with 12 new cases from operational resorts. With this, the Maldives' total Covifd-19 tally now sits at 19,479 with 2,410 active cases.

Health authorities tested 4,742 samples for the infection in Maldives on Friday. As per the latest statistics, 162 people remain admitted in hospital for care for Covid-19. An additional 164 recoveries from Covid-19 were observed on Friday, bringing the total number of recoveries observed in Maldives since the start of the pandemic to 17,002.

Health Minister Ahmed Naseem, in a discussion held at parliament on Thursday, has described the Covid-19 situation in Male' City as "out of control" and "dangerous". Despite this, Minister Naseem revealed authorities were working towards reducing the capital's caseload without initiating an economically restrictive full-lockdown in the city. As per revised restrictions, cafe's and restaurants will close dine-in services at 8pm, with delivery and takeaway services permitted to proceed until 1030pm in the city.

The concerning spike in cases from Male' comes at a time gatherings of more than 10 persons have been banned, in addition to parties and events. Health professionals have ramped up efforts to increase awareness on the very real risks of Covid-19, in order to improve public compliance on health and safety restrictions initiated to curb the virus' spread.