Malé, Maldives – Several authorities have expressed their concern over the increased number of kids testing positive for Covid-19 and the dangers to kids from a new strain of Covid-19.
Pediatrician Dr. Abdullah Niyaf tweeted saying that over 80 kids tested for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. He stressed that these kids are too young to be eligible for vaccination and that the only way to keep them safe is by keeping ourselves safe as most of these cases are likely from contact with a family member.
Im addition to this, Maldives Police Service has also expressed their worries over the large number of kids spending time outside during the current Covid-19 crisis. Speaking at last night’s press conference, Chief Superintendent of Police Abdullah Shareef said that although parks and public places in Malé have been closed, several kids along with their parents and even expatriates are gathering near these public places.
He noted that their biggest concern is that parents are taking their children outside in the current situation for activities such as flying kites and that police is advising these people everyday to refrain from such actions.
Physician Dr. Mohamed Ali, Physician at National Center for Respiratory Medicine, recently said that a new strain of Covid-19 is present in Maldives when we look at it clinically although it has not been confirmed by authorities due to lack of test results.
Dr. Faisal, IGMH Pediatrician said it is a possibility for the mew strain to have a greater impact on children even though it has not yet happened in Maldives. He noted that just because it has not yet happened, does not mean that it will not happen in the future.
HEOC Spokesperson Dr. Nazla Rafeeq backed this statement saying that just because adults are more prone to the disease than kids, does not mean that in the future children may not suffer to the same extent with serious cases.
The authorities continue to advise the public to remain at home and strictly adhere to HPA guidelines to minimize the spread of the disease as much as possible. This is the only way to protect the children and everyone else from the disease. Maldives os currently going through the third wave of Covid-19 with record number of daily cases and daily deaths being recorded a few days back.
