Maldives have confirmed the first case of Covid-19 Variant Omicron.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed the news on Twitter tonight.

HPA noted that the variant was found from a tourist who had tested positive for Covid-19, however, no further information regarding the nationality of the tourist was revealed.

The variant which was first spotted in South Africa has now been found in Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia. Several countries have already rushed to close their borders amid the spread of this new variant.

Maldives have also introduced several measures in an attempt to control the variant since November 28th. As such, the country announced a travel ban on those coming through South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini excluding Maldivian residents and work permit holders.

Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) Spokesperson Dr. Nazla Rafeeq had previously said that the variant will eventually be found in the Maldives and that it cannot be stopped, however that they could prolong it's arrival and control the spread of it.

Further measures are expected to be taken in order to control the variant.