The Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated that it is possible that four different variants of COVID-19 are circulating in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held Wednesday night, member of HEOC’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Dr. Nazla Musthafa said the COVID-19 variant identified in the UK is circulating in the Maldives. While four different variants have been identified across the world, it is possible that all four variants are present in the Maldives, said Dr. Nazla.
“We will know more regarding the variants present in the country once we carry out sequencing via the kits we have with us. The kits already show signs that the UK variant is present in the Maldives. Therefore, we can say the variant is present in the Maldives. However, while there are four variants which are the UK, South African, Brazilian and the Danish variant, we have sent [samples] for sequencing", said Dr. Nazla.
Nazla said while Maldivians travel frequently, it is likely that the new variants are present in the Maldives. Stressing on the importance of vaccinating against COVID-19, Nazla said the COVISHIELD vaccine being used in the Maldives is effective against the new variant.
The number of COVID-19 cases in the Maldives have increased dramatically since early January. Public Health Specialist, Dr. Sheena Moosa has previously stated that it is likely that over one third of recent COVID-19 cases in the Maldives are due to a new variant of the virus.
