Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading in the Maldives.
At a press conference, the Medical Officer of HPA Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said tests have found eight Maldivians positive for the Omicron variant. She said seven Omicron cases were reported on January 10 and one case was reported the previous week. She also said Omicron cases are doubling every one-to-three days, showing the variant is spreading more rapidly in the country, compared to the Delta variant.
Furthermore, Dr. Nazla said Omicron cases are expected to be reported in the atolls due to the increase in travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers. She said new measures will be put in place to control the spread, in a way it does not obstruct the education of students.
Speaking at the press conference, State Minister for Health Dr. Shah Mahir said the Omicron variant has been found in Male' City and Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll. He said Omicron is the reason for the rise in positive cases and that 19 tourists have also tested positive for the variant.
New measures have been implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Greater Male' Region, including a ban on events with 50 or more attendants. HPA has also banned night markets and spectators from attending sports events.