Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the Greater Male’ Region could lead to the formation of a new COVID-19 variant.
Speaking at a press conference held on April 29, Dr. Nazla Musthafa from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of HEOC stated COVID-19 is spreading at an alarming rate in the Male’ area, noting the positivity rate in the last two weeks has exceeded 14%. Dr. Nazla said the fast spread of the disease could lead to formation of a new variant of the virus, reducing the effectivity of the vaccine. Therefore, she said urgent caution is needed to control the spread of the disease.
Speaking further, Dr. Nazla said although the vaccine generally decreases the rate of hospitalisation, the fast spread of the disease will lead to more people requiring hospitalisation. As such, she noted about 13-16% of people who contract COVID-19 require hospitalisation. She revealed 50% of the beds in Hulhumale’ Medical Facility is currently occupied, while 30% of beds in the DH11 facility in Dharumavantha Hospital is also occupied.
Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, HEOC has advised individuals not to travel in the upcoming Eid holidays unless necessary. HEOC has also urged caution when travelling to seek healthcare services, by reducing the number of contacts and taking the required personal safety measures.