Maldives govt extends lockdown imposed on capital Male'

The lockdown imposed on capital Male’ has been extended by an additional 14 days.

This is the second time the lockdown has been extended. The lockdown was first imposed on April 15 when the first case of COVID-19 was detected within the community. The lockdown was later extended until May 15.

Authorities have warned that the number of positive cases could increase in the next two weeks. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) believes peak infection will be reached during this duration.

955 people have tested positive for the virus in the Maldives thus far. The most number of people infected with the virus are Bangladeshi nationals. The government has been taking measures to contain the spread stemming from congested labour quarters in the capital.

Four deaths linked to COVID-19 have been recorded in the Maldives – three locals and a Bangladeshi national. The first COVID-19 related death was of an 83-year-old woman; the second a 33-year-old Bangladeshi man. An 80 year old local passed away last week, and the country recorded its fourth fatality late Wednesday.