COVID-19: Active cases in Addu rise above 300

Active cases of COVID-19 in Addu – Maldives second most populous city – has risen to over 300. 

According to information released by the Addu Emergency Operations Center, cases are highest in the Hithadhoo district and the Meedhoo district. 

The city has 304 active cases, including 62 new cases recorded on Sunday. 

Of the 62 new cases recorded on Sunday, 28 were from Hithadhoo, nine were from Feydhoo, eight from Meedhoo, five from Hulhudhoo, four from Maradhoo-Feydhoo, and two from Maradhoo. The cases also include six cases from industrial islands and resorts. 

The city has recorded 14 COVID-19 deaths. 

Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar has appealed to the city’s residents to take precautionary measures against COVID-19, warning that an exponential rise in cases could leave the hospital overwhelmed.  

“Addu has the best resources outside of Male’. But if cases rise to an uncontrollable level, it will push us into a very difficult situation,” he said.  

Nizar urged against public gatherings, and appealed to limit extracurricular activities at schools. 

Addu City was removed from monitoring after four months on December 31. Active cases in Addu had been under 50 at the time.