As daily COVID-19 infections remain unchecked in the Maldives, authorities have tightened restrictions, including closing down mosques and introducing a permit system, in capital city Male. 
 
The archipelago has been reporting over 1200 cases daily. Given its small size and the limited capacity of the health infrastructure, the numbers still remain high for the country. The death rate, too, has gone up lately. 

On Wednesday, the country’s Islamic ministry has announced the decision to close down mosques due to the virus threat. The Health Emergency Operations Centre - the body that manages the Covid crisis - held a meeting on Wednesday, and announced several restrictions. 

Eateries have been asked to operate with a maximum of four staff, including two for delivery operations. Shops were asked to allow walk-in customers only between 8 am to 4 pm. 

During the earlier wave of infections, the Maldives rarely crossed 400 daily cases. Also, the hospitalization rate has also risen up recently, especially among younger people. 

The country has already banned tourists from most South Asian countries witnessing exploding Covid situation. 

Significantly, the government has been vaccinating people employed in the tourism sector, the most important pillar of its economy, on a priority basis. 

(SAM)