The Maldives on Friday recorded 58 new cases of COVID-19,
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the newly infected people include 18 Maldivians, 38 Bangladeshi nationals and one Indian citizen, bringing the total number of infections to 1274.
According to HPA, over 239 frontline workers are included among the total figure of infected persons. Epidemiologist at HPA, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said the most number of frontline workers tested positive for the virus on May 8, on which 58 frontliners tested positive for the illness.
The government also declared five additional people as recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 109.
The Maldives have recorded four COVID-19 related deaths until now. The tally includes 3 elderly locals and a younger Bangladeshi national. An elderly woman who had recently recovered from the disease also passed away on Thursday after suffering a shock.
The Maldives government earlier this week announced plans to lift lockdown measures imposed in the capital, Male' and other precautionary issues taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in phases. The first step included allowing congregational prayers in islands unaffected by COVID-19, which came into effect on Friday.
The Health Minister has hinted that the Male' area lockdown may be lifted by May 28. However, the state of public health emergency announced in the Maldives is likely to be extended.
