COVID-19 cases rise to 1,633 with 42 new infections

Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Saturday, announced 42 new infections, increasing total cases of the new coronavirus in Maldives to 1,633.

The new cases are 28 Bangladeshis, 13 Indians and one Maldivian.

Maldives identified its first coronavirus case on March 7, and declared a state of public health emergency over the pandemic four days later on March 11.

While coronavirus cases had initially been restricted to resorts and safaris, and later quarantine facilities holding inbound travelers, Male’ City identified its first coronavirus case on April 15, prompting a city-wide lockdown and a nationwide ban on nonessential travel.

The populous capital has since become the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, contributing to over 1,500 of the country’s 1,633 cases.

The 42 new coronavirus cases so far this Saturday follow 78 new cases on Friday; 50 Bangladeshis, 25 Maldivians and three Indians - less than a day after the country began easing restrictions in a bid to promote economic activity.

At a National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) press briefing, HPA epidemiologist Dr. Afzal Ibrahim said that daily new coronavirus cases within the range of 30 to 50 was expected, and therefore no cause for concern.

However, new cases on Friday had exceeded beyond that.

Coronavirus tests are currently being conducted in three facilities in Male’; Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), ADK Hospital, and the Maldives Police Service’s forensics lab.

While coronavirus cases have increased to 1,633, 242 patients have recovered and five have died from complications.