2 Sep

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Maldives edged past the 8,000 mark on Tuesday, according to data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The HPA confirmed 199 new cases of COVID-19, including those of 145 Maldivian nationals and 54 foreign citizens, raising the total case count to 8,003.

HPA data showed that there are 2,709 active cases of COVID-19 spread across 41 inhabited islands and 16 resorts, and 162 patients have been hospitalized for treatment.

The Maldives is currently experiencing a second wave of infections that accelerated when the country opened its borders to tourists on July 15. Active cases include 16 tourists and 29 staff.

There are currently 1,395 individuals in isolation. A total of 5,265 patients have recovered from the virus so far, while 29 people have died.

Health officials and political authorities have warned that a continued increase in reported COVID-19 infections may warrant a second lockdown.

xinhua