With 62 new infections, coronavirus cases surpass 9,000

Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Saturday, announced 62 additional cases of the new coronavirus, increasing confirmed coronavirus cases in Maldives to 9,052.

According to HPA, the 62 new cases include 44 locals and 18 foreigners.

51 of the cases were identified from the greater Male’ region, while the remaining 11 were identified from the atolls.

Meanwhile, 209 additional coronavirus patients were confirmed to have made full recoveries over the last 24-hours, increasing total recoveries to 7,055.

The new developments mean Maldives now has 1,960 active cases.

There are 908 patients in isolation facilities and 116 in hospitals.

129,055 samples, including repeated samples, have been taken by health authorities to conduct coronavirus tests.

With the 62 new infections this Saturday, 566 people have tested positive over the last one-week period.

September 12: 62 cases

September 11: 90 cases

September 10: 66 cases

September 9: 93 cases

September 8: 74 cases

September 7: 83 cases

September 6: 98 cases

Maldives identified its first coronavirus case on March 7, and declared a state of public health emergency over the pandemic less than a week later on March 12.

While coronavirus cases had initially been restricted to resorts and safaris, and later quarantine facilities holding inbound travelers, Male’ City identified its first coronavirus case on April 15, prompting a city-wide lockdown.

The populous capital quickly emerged as the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Maldives, contributing to over 90 percent of total cases.

5,732 people – making for 63 percent of the 9,052 coronavirus cases in the country, are Maldivians, while the remaining 37 percent are foreign nationals.

31 coronavirus patients have died from complications.

There are 108 active coronavirus cases in 28 residential islands outside of the greater Male’ area. Three islands outside of the capital; G. Dh. Hoadedhoo, G. Dh. Madaveli, and N. Manadhoo are under monitoring.

There are also active cases in 26 resorts, including 13 tourists and 39 staff.