Covid-19: Maldives reports 167 new cases, 117 recoveries

With 167 new cases of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic reported on Thursday, Maldives Covid-19 tally has reached 20,447.

Latest statistics publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), reveal that 135 out of the 167 new coronavirus infections were detected in the Greater Malé Region, whereas 17 cases were discovered across residential islands and 15 from operational resorts.

These cases were confirmed out of the 4,089 samples tested within the last 24 hours.

With this development, the country’s total active infections has been pushed to 2,664.

Maldives Covid-19 tally currently sits at 20,447.

Further, with an additional 117 recoveries reported across the island nation, public health authorities revealed that the country has so far observed a total of 17,712 Covid-19 patients to have made full recoveries.

There are currently 180 Covid-19-stricken patients hospitalized for treatment. Two patients are receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Dharumavantha Hospital and one of them is on ventilator support, HPA revealed. Further, five are being treated at the 16th floor of Dharumavantha Hospital whereas 168 patients are being treated at the Hulhumalé Medical Facility. Hospital admissions in outlying atolls include one in Laamu Gan Covid-19 Facility and four in Addu Covid-19 Facility.

Maldives reported the 64th victim of Covid-19 at sundown on Thursday evening.

During Thursday night’s presser by the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC), Dr. Nazla Rafeeq, the center’s spokesperson stressed that the highest daily rise in cases was observed during the past week.

Highlighting that authorities have enforced stricter measures across the island nation in light of the alarming spike in cases, Dr. Nazla added that they will be observing weekly cases and conducting assessments which will assist them decide on further measures or possible eases to restrictions in place.

Maldives extended the state of public health emergency first declared across the Maldives on 12 March 2020 amid fears of the Covid-19 pandemic, for the 12th time on Thursday. It is to remain in effect until 4 April 2021.

Health officials have also stressed that the flu positivity rate has gone down despite the increase in cases, especially from the capital region, which means that fewer people are attending flu clinics despite presenting symptoms of Covid-19. Health authorities have also noted that some are disregarding quarantine and isolation to go mingle with others, resulting in many persons being identified as direct contacts of positive cases down the line.

Restrictions for schools, mosques and businesses have been strengthened in the Greater Male' area, from where a majority of daily new cases are confirmed. Health Minister Ahmed Naseem has previously described the Covid-19 situation in Male' City as "out of control" and "dangerous". However, he assured that authorities are working towards reducing the capital's caseload without initiating an economically restrictive full-lockdown in the city.