Weekly COVID-19 update: 20 – 26 May
As at 26 May, 24,867 active cases, 285 hospitalised, 147 deaths.
MFR Image / Graphic
Today marks 446 days since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the Maldives. Recent statistics indicate the spread of cases across the country at an alarming rate. Authorities confirmed that a total of 75 islands have been placed under monitoring with restrictive measures imposed in several islands. With an average of 7 deaths recorded daily, the deceased are predominantly elderly citizens with underlying health conditions.
Due to the rapid spread of cases among islands, authorities are working to set up PCR testing labs in key regional centers across the country while formulating new task forces in atolls to combat the virus. New restrictions are imposed in greater Male’ effective from 26th May, limiting movement and extending daily curfew to reduce the spread of virus.
While the control of COVID-19 can be achieved through disciplined behavior of people within the community, a number of citizens are still being fined for not adhering to the guidelines set by authorities. All citizens need to follow the rules and practice basic steps of social distancing, wearing masks and maintaining a high level of hygiene to stop the transmission of the virus.
Following are the latest updates on the covid-19 timeline of Maldives.
26 May 2021
COVID-19 Case Updates
- 1,299 new cases from 5,186 samples tested over the last 24 hours.
- 24,867 active cases, 285 hospitalized, 34,621 recovered.
- 147 deaths to date.
Extension of curfew in Male’ region.
- Daily curfew extension from 16:00 to 0800 hours.
- Police permits need to be obtained to go outside for necessities and non-medical emergencies.
- Dine-in and takeaway from restaurants and cafés not allowed.
- Shops, restaurants, and cafés with permits open for deliveries between 0600 – 0000 hrs.
- MVR 5,000 fine for shops, restaurants and cafés that provide services other than delivery.
Movement restriction in Male’ region.
- Household permits will be given for two individuals per household.
- Permit holder one: 0800 – 1200 hrs. Permit holder two: 1200 – 1600 hrs.
- Travel between Male’ and Hulhumale, Male and Villimale is not allowed.
- Vehicle movement allowed for household permit holders only.
25 May 2021
President announces Initiatives to ease financial burden of households and businesses
- 30% discount on water bills for all households (May); 20% for all businesses.
- 40% discount on electricity bills for all households (May); 20% for all businesses.
- SDFC to announce new Covid Relief Loan scheme.
- Bank of Maldives to announce MVR 370 million Economic Stimulus Loan scheme in June 2021.
- Efforts to secure more vaccines underway.
- Efforts to recruit addition 40 doctors and 100 nurses ongoing.
COVID-19 case updates
- 1,004 new cases, out of 4030 samples tested; 240 minors and 41 elderly citizens.
- 78 islands under monitoring; 3 new
- 30 percent sample positivity rate in Maldives; 20 percent in atolls and 45 percent within Greater Male region.
- 69 percent of eligible population administered first doze, 35 percent of eligible population fully vaccinated.
- 24,033 active cases; 289 patients hospitalized; 144 deaths; 34159 patients recovered.
24 May 2021
Updates of COVID-19 cases.
- 23,646 active cases recorded include 373 minors and 72 elderly citizens.
- 259 pregnant women tested positive so far in 2021.
- Total of 9 deaths recorded today: death toll at 129.
- 75 islands under monitoring; 5 new.
- PCR lab to be set up in Fuvahmulah City by end of July.
23 May 2021
Extension of restrictive measures taken on 3rd May 2021.
- New PCR testing labs to be set up in Laamu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Raa and Lhaviyani Atolls.
- Additional restrictions to be enforced in the Greater Male’ Area from 26 May.
- Authorities announce that a lockdown will not be imposed.
- Out of 6,333 samples entered, 1,960 tested positive.
- Ministerial committee overseeing national Covid-19 response; New task forces being formulated in the atolls.
- 69 islands placed under monitoring.
- Hotline established for families to reach Hulhumale Facility patients: 302-2221
- 87% of COVID-19 positive patients have not obtained vaccines at all.
20 May 2021
Updates of COVID-19 cases.
- Out of 2,194 cases reported today, 691 are from samples collected between 6 p.m. on May 19 and 6 p.m. on May 20.
- 280 patients currently treated in hospitals, 16 patients in ICU.
- Total of 558 covid patients are below the age 18 years, 91 patients above the age of 65.
- Registration is open for Sino pharm and Covishield vaccine for people with disabilities, people who are bedridden and people above 65 years.
- 200 people were fined for not conforming to guidelines while using masks, and 316 people were fined for not adhering to curfew guidelines.
- 67 Islands under monitoring: 4 new
- Contact tracing protocol revised in Greater Malé Area, current focus on high-risk categories.
- Other contacts of positive cases to inform Contact Tracing team via [email protected]
Amendments to restrictions imposed in Addu City and Fuvahmulah City.
- Daily curfew from 16:00 to 0400 hrs.
- Extension of restrictions up to 7 days from 20 May 2021 till 26th May.
Restrictions imposed in Ga. Villingili from 20 – 26 May 2021.
- Daily curfew from 1800 to 0400hrs.
- Parties, events, and ceremonies to be halted.
- Ban on visiting households within the islands.
- Restrictions on gathering of more than 3 individuals.
- Closing of salons, gyms, and hairdressers.
- Closing all sports events and exercise programs.
- Adherence to HPA guidelines when providing taxi services.
- Adherence to HPA guidelines in the provision of services at shops.
- Universities, colleges, and schools to stop on-site classes and conduct online classes.
- Closing all hotels, cafés, and restaurants. This does not extend to delivery services.
