Government of the Maldives has denied claims that it asked for special foreign assistance after losing control in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Spokesperson at the President's Office Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said the government is always working with the international community to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country. However, the spokesperson said claims that the government has lost control of the situation and asked for special foreign assistance are false.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been reporting over 1,000 daily new COVID-19 cases for the past two weeks, and reached a new record once again on May 20 with over 2,000 cases. The spike in positive cases has resulted in a significant increase in COVID-19-related deaths, with more than 40 deaths recorded in May so far.
The latest figures from the HPA shows 20,276 active cases in the country and 280 people receiving treatment in hospitals. Maldives has recorded a total of 50,802 cases and 115 deaths.
Since the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are being reported in the Greater Male' Region, HPA is imposing a curfew from 1600hrs to 0400hrs in the area. Curfews have also been imposed in several other regions, including Addu, Fuvahmulah and Kulhudhuffushi.