Health Protection Agency (HPA) has placed seven islands under monitoring in one day, raising the total number of islands to 23.
The number of COVID-19 cases has increased in the Greater Male' Region and the atolls since December last year. As such, a record number of COVID-19 cases have been reported since the start of 2022, with seven islands placed under monitoring on January 22.
The latest islands placed under monitoring include Kulhudhuffushi City, Kanditheemu in Shaviyani Atoll, Goidhoo in Baa Atoll, Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani Atoll, Keyodhoo in Vaavu Atoll, and Dhanbidhoo and Hithadhoo in Laamu Atoll. An additional 16 islands were also placed under monitoring during the surge in COVID-19 cases in the past three weeks.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 task force in Addu has reported an increase in cases in the city, especially in Hithadhoo and Feydhoo. HPA stated the current surge has the potential of escalating to a significantly higher number of COVID-19 cases compared to the previous surges. The agency also expressed concern that some individuals have been negligent in adhering to the established health guidelines.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases has significantly increased in the Maldives, with around 2,000 cases reported each day and 70% of the cases reported in the Greater Male' Region.