COVID-19: 11 more cases reported, total 188

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has just confirmed that 11 new individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives.

On its official Twitter account, HPA announced that the individuals that tested positive were nine Bangladeshi nationals, one Indian and one Maldivian national. They are to be moved to an isolation facility. HPA did not state the location from which the individuals were tested positive. 

✳️ #COVID19 Latest Update:

An additional 11 cases (MAV0178 to MAV0188) of 9 Bangladeshis, 1 Indian, 1 Maldivian have been confirmed.

The individuals will be moved to an Isolation Facility. #StayHome #StaySafe

— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) April 26, 2020

The announcement means that the total number of cases in the Maldives has increased to 188. 47 cases have been confirmed in the Maldives in the last 12 hours. HPA had announced late last night that 36 new cases of the virus were identified. They include 29 Bangladeshi nationals, six Maldivians, and one Indian national. 

The first case of a community spread in the Maldives was identified in the capital Male’ City on April 15, prompting authorities to impose a lockdown and curfew on the Greater Male’ Region, including Hulhumale' and Vilimale'. The lockdown was later extended to cover the entire nation. People who travelled to outer lying islands from the capital have also been instructed to practice 14 days of self-isolation at home by the authorities.