Malé, Maldives – Physician at National Center for Respiratory Medicine, IGMH, Dr. Mohamed Ali said that a new strain of Covid-19 is currently spreading in Maldives.
Dr. Mohamed Ali said that although the relevant authorities have not yet announced the presence of a new strain in Maldives as test results have not yet been obtained, there is a new strain of Covid-19 when considered clinically.
He also added that the new strain of Covid-19 is more lethal than the first one and the new one affects the lungs more seriously. He noted that it has not yet been known for sure whether the new strain has less effect of fully vaccinated people.
Dr. Mohamed Ali advised the public to adhere to HPA guidelines as much as possible to minimize the spread and reduce their contact bubble.
Maldives recorded the highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since the pandemic hit the tiny island nation with 766 cases yesterday. With this, the total number of Covid-19 cases recorded in the country has reached 34,134 out of which 25,782 patients have made full recoveries, as of 18:00 of May 7, 2021.
While the country is currently going through one of the worst waves that has hit the country in terms of the pandemic, currently there are 205 patients receiving hospitalized care for the virus throughout the country. With majority of the hospitalized patients being in the capital, experts continuously reiterate the importance of taking preventive steps against Covid-19, such as maintaining adequate physical distancing, wearing masks and practicing hand hygiene.
