COVID-19: Significant increase with 64 positive cases

The Maldives recorded 64 cases of COVID-19 today, in an identified increase of cases as of recently.

The confirmed cases were identified from 18:00 yesterday to 18:00 today.

In a grand total of 64 cases, 44 cases are Maldivians. This means that this is the highest number of Maldivians to test positive for COVID-19 since the outbreak began in the country on April 15.

The remaining positive cases are 17 Bangladeshi nationals, 2 Indian nationals, and 1 Nepali national.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country so far stands at 2,617, with current active cases at 361.

According to figures tweeted by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) 11 individuals made recoveries from the virus within the last 24 hours. The number of recovered cases has now increased to 2,238.

There are 97 individuals in quarantine facilities, with 300 more in isolation facilities. 13 individuals have so far passed away due to the virus.

A total of 59,982 samples have been collected by Maldivian authorities for the virus.

Compared with the positive figures of tonight, 36 cases were identified last night, while just 16 cases were identified on the night before. 

Average cases have been around 30-50 since the first lockdown easements were introduced in mid-June.

The increase in cases identified tonight comes ten days after Male' City welcomed easements to the lockdown order enforced on the capital. This is the highest number of cases to be confirmed since then.

Restaurants, schools, cafes, and gyms across the nation have been opened since July 1. Male' City, where the majority of COVID-19 cases have been linked to, also saw the easements permit the movement of people outdoors from 5:00 to 23:00 starting from July 1. However, there are still some procedures to be completed before traveling out of Male' City. 

Authorities have previously said that the lockdown easements could result in a surge, which was most likely manageable. However, health officials have raised concerns at an increase in the number of contacts identified by authorities while contact tracing. Health Emergency Operations Center, last night stated that average contacts now ranged at around 30-70, while the figures were previously significantly lower.