Maldives’ COVID-19 death toll rises to 167

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed the death of an additional COVID-19 patient, increasing total fatalities this Tuesday alone to six – five in the capital and one in B. Atoll.

HPA identified the latest fatality as a 62-year-old Maldivian male admitted to Hulhumale’ Medical Facility.

He passed away at 02:43 pm this Tuesday.

His death follows the death of a 70-year-old Maldivian male admitted to Hulhumale’ Medical Facility at 03:41 am, an 87-year-old Maldivian male admitted to B. Atoll Covid Management Facility at 04:40 am, a 50-year-old Maldivian male admitted to Hulhumale’ Medical Facility at 05:46 am, a 59-year-old Maldivian female admitted to Hulhumale’ Medical Facility at 06:14 am, and an 89-year-old Maldivian female taken to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital’s ER at 01:51 pm.

“This is the 167th COVID-19 death in the Maldives,” said HPA, announcing the latest fatality.

Maldives has been experiencing a surge in both infection rate and fatalities in recent weeks.

Last May saw the highest number of COVID-19 fatalities in a single month, with 88 deaths.

Maldives has 64,396 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 710 new cases recorded on Monday. 40,117 patients have since recovered.

The country currently has 24,109 active cases. 204 of the patients are hospitalized.

The surge in cases has prompted health authorities to tighten restrictions, both in the populous Male’ City area and other residential areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases.