President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a tweet, President Solih said he was found positive for COVID-19 after taking a PCR test before travelling to the atolls. The president said he is now in self-isolation in his official residence and assured he is in good health. He had been scheduled to travel to Foakaidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases has significantly increased in the Maldives, with around 2,000 cases reported each day and 70% of the cases being reported in the Greater Male' Region. HPA has issued a red alert over the increase in COVID-19 cases, and health authorities have warned of a continual rise in cases in the Maldives for the next few weeks.
The increase in COVID-19 cases coincides with the spread of the new Omicron variant in the Maldives, which threatens to infect the sick and elderly and increase hospitalisations. The government has strengthened health measures in schools and in the Greater Male' Region, to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases. Additionally, HPA is administering the COVID-19 booster doses to the public, as part of the nationwide vaccination programme.