COVID-19 patient passes away amidst increased cases

A COVID-19 patient has passed away, marking the first disease-related fatality in three weeks in the Maldives.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) identified the victim as a 56-year-old Maldivian woman who was being treated at Hulhumale’ Orange Facility.

Her death increases the total death toll of Maldives to 300.

The last COVID-19 fatality recorded in the Maldives was on May 26; a 71-year-old Maldivian man from Addu City.

Maldives has begun seeing an increased number of COVID-19 cases following a significant drop in cases within the past couple of months.

HPA advised caution over increased cases last week.

The health agency, on Sunday, said that COVID-19 cases were still on the rise; advising the public to take precautionary measures. They added that statistics would soon be released. 

“The purpose of issuing an early public advisory is to alert the public on the fact that cases are increasing and to encourage them to take precautionary measures,” HPA said.

Stressing the cases can still be decreased ahead of the impending school holiday – HPA underscored this can only be achieved with cooperation from the public in exercising precautionary measures.

In this regard, the health agency has advised the public to wear masks, pay extra attention to personal hygiene and get vaccinated.