Health Protection Agency HPA reports a further 167 cases of COVID-19 in the country as the steady increase of cases continue in the Maldives.

HPA said in its daily COVID update via Twitter that 86 new cases were reported from the Greater Male' Area while 59 cases were reported from the Atolls.

HPA also said 21 new cases were confirmed from operational resorts and another case was confirmed on an industrial island.

The Agency confirmed that the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in the country since March 2020 has now reached 23,838.

HPA said that the total number of recoveries had reached 20,984 and that 2,780 remained as active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

HPA added that the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has now fallen to 91.

The global pandemic has claimed the lives of 66 people in the Maldives since April of last year and this includes 59 locals and 7 foreigners.

HPA had reported four COVID-19 deaths in the country this month while it confirmed 10 COVID-19 deaths last month.

Meanwhile, HPA has confirmed that 15 islands in the Atolls are currently under monitoring.

It listed the islands as Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, Raa Ungoofaaru, Dhaalu Meedhoo, Kaafu Huraa, Kaafu Dhifushi, Lhaviyani Naifaru, Raa Maduvari, Raa Hulhudhufaaru, Lhaviyani Felivaru, Lhaviyani Hinnavaru, Raa Alifushi, Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo, Lhaviyani Olhuvelifushi, Noonu Hulhudhoo, and Raa Maakurath.

HPA reported that there are 520 active cases of COVID-19 in the Atolls.