Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed over 600 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Maldives in the first 15 days of the new year.
HPA stated COVID-19 cases have been rising since the end of December due to the formation of multiple clusters across the country. In this regard, HPA noted the cluster formed from a wedding held in Male’ during late December, as well as the clusters formed in Dhevvadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and three resorts have contributed to the rise in cases.
As per the statistics of HPA, 619 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the Maldives during the first 15 days of 2021. Most of the cases were detected from the Greater Male’ Region, with 305 cases, while another 193 cases were reported from resorts. 96 cases were reported from inhabited islands in atolls, while 24 cases were reported from liveaboards.
Meanwhile, with the reopening of schools on January 10, some schools have also started reporting COVID-19 cases. In this regard, teachers and students of some schools in Male’ have tested positive for COVID-19 within the first week of reopening schools.
As per the statistics of HPA, a total of 14,462 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the Maldives since the disease was first detected in the country on March 7 last year. There are currently 901 active cases, including 68 patients seeking treatment in hospitals or medical facilities. 49 people have passed away from COVID-19 in the Maldives, including 41 locals and 8 expatriates.