The Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Friday, confirmed an additional 38 cases of COVID-19 in Maldives, bringing the total number of cases to 1,020.

The new cases consist of 29 Maldivians, eight Bangladeshi nationals and one Nepalese national.

With this new development, Maldives now records a total of 1,020 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 924 active cases, four fatalities and a total of 46 recoveries.

Capital city Malé, one of the most densely populated places in the world, has recorded a significant increase in COVID-19 cases since recording its first local transmission on April 15.

The disease has disproportionately affected the country's large expatriate population, the majority of whom are Bangladeshi nationals and live in highly congested quarters where it is impossible to reduce contact or exercise social distancing.

In addition to the capital, COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Uligan in Haa Alif Atoll, Narudhoo and Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, and Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll.

While medical experts have warned of a possible COVID-19 surge in Maldives in the immediate future, the police have introduced new control measures for two weeks as part of a wider effort to contain the rise in cases.

On March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization classified the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. At present, the new strain of novel coronavirus has infected over 4.5 million people and claimed over 304,200 lives around the world. However, out of those infected, 1.7 million people have recovered.