Maldives detects 74 cases of Omicron nationwide
A total of 1,196 samples have been sent for testing for the new variant
Press conference by HEOC
Maldives has confirmed 74 cases of the new and more transmissible variant of Covid-19; Omicron across the entire nation so far.
Speaking to press on Sunday afternoon, Epidemiologist at the Health Protection Agency (HPA), Dr. Ibrahim Afzal revealed that Omicron has surfaced in the southernmost city of Addu as well.
Dr. Afzal revealed that Omicron cases have been detected across the Greater Malé Region, Addu City, Maafushi island in Kaafu atoll, Kudahuvadhoo Island in Dhaalu atoll, Gan Island in Laamu atoll, Holhudhoo island in Laamu atoll, Isdhoo island in Laamu, Vaikaradhoo island in Haa Dhaal atoll, Nolhivaran island in Haa Dhaal atoll, Magoodhoo island in Faafu atoll as well as Thulhusdhoo island in Kaafu atoll.
He went on to reveal that a total of 1,196 samples have been sent for testing for the new variant of which 74 have returned positive so far.
Highlighting that 51 out of the 100 samples sent in the most recent batch for testing on January 11, had returned positive for Omicron, the doctor stated that this is a matter of concern.
With this being said, the doctor urged the public to get their booster doses against Covid-19 in order to seek their safety as well as the safety of others, at a time other variants are overtaking due to the strain.
Maldives confirmed its first Omicron case on 5 December 2021 when a South African tourist who arrived in November last year, tested positive.
A community spread was confirmed in January 2022.
