Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued red alert over the rise in COVID-19 cases in the Maldives.
The latest update from the HPA shows 1,420 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, which is the highest number of positive cases recorded on one day since May 18, 2021, which saw 1,465 cases. The latest update shows 826 cases were recorded from the Greater Male' Region, 346 were from the atolls, and 64 were from resorts. It also shows there are currently 6,993 active COVID-19 cases with 32 patients receiving treatment at hospitals.
Furthermore, 63 prisoners in Maafushi Prison have been found positive for COVID-19, with 419 prisoners currently under quarantine. Maafushi Prison was brought under a state of emergency following the COVID-19 outbreak, and relevant authorities are strengthening measures to decrease the threat of a health crisis. As such, Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has decided to allow prisoners to attend familial visits and court hearings via video conferencing.
The health authorities have warned of a rise in COVID-19 cases in the Maldives in the next three weeks. The increase in COVID-19 cases coincides with the spread of the new Omicron variant in the Maldives. The government has strengthened health measures in schools and the Greater Male' Region, to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Additionally, HPA has opened the administration of the COVID-19 booster doses to the public, as part of the nationwide vaccination programme.