The Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has confirmed that the UK and Indian variants of the COVID-19 virus were detected in the Maldives.
Three sets of samples were sent abroad for gene sequencing to identify the virus variants spreading in the Maldives. 30 samples were included in each set. The results of the most recent sample set have now been received.
Speaking at a press conference held by HEOC on Tuesday afternoon, HEOC's Spokesperson, Dr. Fathmath Nazla Rafeeq said the results of the investigation show both the UK and Indian virus variant are circulating in the Maldives. 27 percent of the samples are of the Indian variant, while 20 percent are of the UK variant. The results showed six different variants were circulating in the Maldives.
Nazla said more samples will be sent for sequencing in the future, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) was assisting with testing. HEOC is working to increase the number of samples sent for sequencing, she further noted.
