Malé, Maldives – Health Protection Agency just confirmed the first case of Covid-19 Omicron variant in the Maldives.
This case is reported from genomic sequencing conducted on a positive sample of a tourist.
Authorities have not identified the tourist or the location of the resort.
With the announcement of the newly classified variant Omicron on 26 November 2021, the Maldives imposed a travel ban on 7 southern African countries; South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and eSwatini.
The President has also announced booster shots for the eligible population starting mid December.
While WHO recommends enhancing surveillance, performing field investigations and laboratory assessments to the authorities the World Health Organization recommends citizens to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated.
