Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said that a new collection center for COVID-19 samples is set to open at the Henveiru Stadium.

The new collection center is being developed to meet the number of rising cases of COVID-19 on the country.

Speaking at the HPA press conference today, Epidemiologist, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said that discussions are always ongoing on how to facilitate increased testing capabilities and easier access to testing for the general public.

And so a new sample collection is opens at the Henveiru Stadium today operating from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is a new addition to the sample collection centers in the Male' City area which are the Maafannu Social Center, Vilimale' Flu Clinic and the Ruggandun 1 in Hulhumale'.

As COVID-19 spreads rapidly in the country, Dr. Afzal said that they believe that the current wave of cases are caused by the new variant, Omicron. He said that 74 cases of Omicron have been identified in the country so far and that number is expected to be higher.