The Maldives has spent 314 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic since the first positive case of the virus was identified in the Maldives. Over the past ten months, 14,375 positive cases have been recorded to date, out of which 9,029 cases are of locals. 49 COVID-19 deaths have been registered during this period - 42 locals and seven foreigners.
While several measures were taken over the past months to minimize the spread of the virus, including the suspension of the prayer congregation and closing the mosques, closure of schools and travel restrictions, the country also closed its borders which effectively suspended tourism activities in the Maldives. Curfews were introduced and restaurants, cafes and hotels were closed. As a result, the daily life of Maldivians was disrupted, and many challenges were faced by the public. The situation in the Maldives was at its worst during August last year. Over 3,900 cases and twelve deaths were recorded in August.
However, as a result of compliance to the measures taken by the government, the number of positive cases began to decline, and the strict measures previously imposed were relaxed. The borders were reopened and tourism picked up, and schools opened its doors to students once again.
However, while schools opened for 2021 on January 10th, the number of cases being recorded across the country has been increasing over the past week. Although the increase in the number of positive cases is not related to the reopening of schools, it is a warning bell to take heed in practicing precautionary measures. 387 positive cases were recorded over the past seven days, with a large number of cases recorded in resorts.
A large number of positive cases are also linked to a cluster identified in Ga. Dhevvadhoo. 52 cases related to the cluster have now been identified. Contact tracing has also identified a large number of people who had been in contact with the positive cases, out of which over a 100 people are in the high risk category. Five islands are currently on the Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s monitoring status in relation to the cluster.
121 positive cases have also been identified from resorts over the past week, including 53 positive cases in Biyaadhoo Resort, 42 cases in Sangeli Resort and 27 cases in Olhuveli Resort. Most of the cases are among resort staff.
Only one case linked to a school has been identified in recent days. A teacher at Aminiya School recently tested positive after which some other teachers had to be quarantined. However, it is unlikely that there was any risk of infection among students due to the case, said HPA.
A cluster linked to a wedding reception held at SHE Building in capital Male’ has also expanded to include over 100 positive cases. 300 people have been quarantined due to the outbreak, out of which over 100 people are in the high risk category.
Although the number of active cases remained below 500 two weeks ago, the number has now risen to 845. The number of hospitalisations shot up from 25 to 61 during the period. These figures reflect that there is a high chance that the situation in Maldives could worsen once again.
Despite the increasing numbers, the residents of the country have the power to bring down the numbers once again by adhering to the guidelines issued by HPA. Compliance is key in changing the course of the virus. Health officials advise to continue wearing masks properly when going out and paying extra attention to personal hygiene and social distancing. This is the moment for the people to band together to fight against the disease.
