Weekly COVID-19 update: 6 to 12 May 2021
May 7th sees the highest recorded deaths in a 48-hour period since the pandemic hit the nation — eight COVID-19 related deaths were reported.
MFR image / Graphic
On 11 May, the Maldives reported 1,501 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total number of cases to 38,520. With cases surging, health care facilities are overwhelmed with 80 percent of COVID-19 treatment facilities occupied in the Greater Malé Region, where numbers are expected to rise in the coming days.
Over the past two weeks, four in one persons visiting a flu clinic in the Greater Malé area tested positive for COVID-19. Spokesperson at the President's Office, Mabrook Azeez, at the Health Emergency Operation Center daily news conference, explained the severity of the situation and said that it is imperative for the country to work together to control the spread of the virus.
Following is an update, with the most recent information first, of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
13 May 2021
New amendments to travel restrictions.
- Approval of tourist visas for tourists travelling from South Asian countries will be temporarily halted.
12 May 2021
New amendments to the restrictions imposed in greater Malé region.
- Daily curfew from 1600 to 0400hrs.
- Restaurants and cafés allowed to open for deliveries and takeaway only. Delivery allowed with police permit until 12am.
- Congregational prayers at mosques temporarily halted.
- Businesses that do not comply with HPA guidelines will be closed down for 24 hours.
10 May 2021
Restrictive measures imposed in L. Gan and Adh. Maamigili.
- Daily curfew from 2100 to 0400hrs.
- Parties, events and ceremonies halted.
- Ban on travelling within districts and visiting households in L. Gan.
- Restrictions on gathering of more than three 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, cafes and restaurants. This does not apply to delivery services.
9 May 2021
All vaccines administered in Maldives approved by WHO.
- HPA announces all vaccines administered in Maldives have undegone all testing phases, are safe and approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 1,091 new cases reported, out of which 147 cases from inhabited islands.
8 May 2021
Restrictions on arrivals from South Asian Countries.
- Temporary restrictions on work permit holders arriving from South Asian countries.
- Tourists from South Asian countries banned from visiting inhabited islands, and check-ins to Guest Houses and Hotels in local islands.
7 May 2021
Additional restrictions imposed to control the surge.
- All state institutions, private sector companies and offices have been instructed to work from home unless the physical presence of staff was absolutely necessary. Meetings and gatherings are to be held online.
- Travel related quarantine extended to 14 days.
- Tuition centres, Quran classes, giving tuition at home halted and day care centres closed.
- Universities and colleges to halt on site classes and conduct online classes.
- Eight COVID-19 related deaths reported. Highest recorded deaths in a 48-hour period.
- Around 80 children, four to five aged one, test positive for COVID-19 daily.
Restrictive measures announced by HPA in Lh. Naifaru, K. Maafushi, AA. Mathiveri, AA. Ukulhas, B. Eydhafushi.
- Daily curfew from 1600 to 0400hrs.
- Ban on holding parties, events and ceremonies.
- Ban on visiting other households.
- Ban on gatherings of more than three people in public places.
- Closing of salons, gyms, hairdressers.
- Closing all sports events and exercises programs.
- Adherence to HPA guidelines in the provision of services at shops.
- Closing all hotels, cafes and restaurants. Delivery services are still allowed.
Restrictive measures imposed in Addu City and Fuvahmulah City for a duration of one week.
- Daily curfew from 2100 to 0400hrs.
- Parties, events and ceremonies to be halted.
- Ban on inter-island travelling and visiting households in Addu City.
- Ban on travelling within districts and visiting households in Fuvahmulah City.
- 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, cafes and restaurants. This does not extend to delivery services.
