Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed the number of hospitalisations from COVID-19 infections has risen to 40.
The latest update from the HPA shows 1,594 cases were recorded on January 18, with 857 cases from the Greater Male' Region, 438 cases from the atolls, and 118 cases from resorts. It also shows there are currently 8,079 active COVID-19 cases with 40 patients receiving treatment at hospitals, which is a significant increase compared to the 2,000 active cases and 15 hospitalisations recorded earlier in the month.
HPA has issued a red alert over the increase in COVID-19 cases, and health authorities have warned of a continual rise in cases in the Maldives for the next few weeks. The increase in COVID-19 cases coincides with the spread of the new Omicron variant in the Maldives, which threatens to infect the sick and elderly and increase hospitalisations.
The government has strengthened health measures in schools and in 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.