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Dutch Health Officials Says Omicron Variant Was Detected In The Netherlands Before South Africa Flights

Dutch Health Officials Says Omicron Variant Was Detected In The Netherlands Before South Africa Flights

Dutch health authorities have revealed that the new Covid-19 variant was detected in the Netherlands before two flights arrived from South Africa last week carrying the virus.

At least 14 people on flights from Johannesburg and Capetown arrived at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on Nov. 26 carrying the new variant, the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said.

“We have found the Omicron coronavirus variant in two test samples that were taken on Nov. 19 and Nov. 23,” the RIVM said. “It is not clear yet whether these people have visited Southern Africa.”

The discovery of Omicron has sparked worries around the world that it could resist vaccinations and prolong the nearly two-year-old COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline passengers with Omicron, who were among 61 travelers on the two South Africa flights that tested positive for Covid, are currently in quarantine.

Dutch authorities are also seeking to contact and test some 5,000 other passengers who have traveled from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zimbabwe.

Dutch Health Officials Says Omicron Variant Was Detected In The Netherlands Before South Africa Flights Agnesisika blog

In the Netherlands, tougher COVID-19 measures went into effect on Sunday to curb record daily infection rates of more than 20,000 and ease pressure on hospitals.

Days after South African scientists first reported the existence of the Omicron variant, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that authorities were looking into whether to mandate Covid-19 vaccinations and booster shots — for workers and entry to some public spaces.

Meanwhile, scientists are still reviewing data to assess how effective existing vaccines are against the new variant.

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