MALE, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 cases in the Maldives has crossed 10,000, local media reported here Saturday.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Friday evening confirmed 75 new cases of COVID-19, including 53 locals and 22 foreigners, raising the country's total case count up to 10,014.
Public Health Expert Dr. Sheena Moosa was quoted in state media as saying that despite a recent decrease in the rate of infection, it is still not appropriate to ease restrictions.
"It's crucial that we maintain the new normal behaviors, at least until a vaccine is available," Moosa said.
Meanwhile, state media reported that the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has inspected 259 establishments in the fourth round of mass inspections in the capital region of Greater Male.
Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) Spokesperson Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said that four cafes and a shop were found to have violated official health and safety guidelines.
According to HPA data, the Maldives now has 1,300 active cases of COVID-19 spread across 22 inhabited islands and 26 resorts.
A total of 8,673 people have fully recovered from the virus in the Maldives, while 34 have died so far. Enditem
