Geen probleem: no current concerns about new coronavirus variant in the Netherlands

Delta Plus, a new mutation of the delta variant of coronavirus, has been doing the rounds in the Netherlands — but the RIVM doesn’t see a threat yet.

Circulating since mid-August, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported that the share of this sub mutation in the total number of coronavirus infections has been 0.1% to 0.2% — meaning it’s not a reason for concern. Goed news 🙌

According to Nu.nl, an RIVM spokesperson noted that “the percentage of it has remained stable,” making it difficult to say whether this mutation is more contagious or resistant against vaccines.

However, since the percentage of the subvariant is hardly increasing, the RIVM is confident that it is not a highly contagious strain, the NOS reports.

If that’s not enough to put your mind at rest, the variant has not yet been designated by the WHO as a variant of concern either. 🤞

Across the pond

As the RIVM continues to monitor the AY.4.2 variant (i.e Delta plus) in the Netherlands, the new sub-variant is causing trouble for our neighbours in the United Kingdom, with suspicions that it may be responsible for a sharp increase in their numbers of new infections.

According to Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans, this variant is not a current game-changer as it follows a similar pattern of how the delta variant surpassed the alpha variant.

However, “we have to take this into account for our approach to the virus in the winter,” warns Koopmans. Stay safe guys!

What do you think of the latest development of coronavirus warnings in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah believes she's been on many adventures during her millennial life, each for a different (sometimes invisible) purpose. The latest adventure whisked her away to Amsterdam for love, and what a magical surprise she found in this city. Armed with imaginary confetti in her pocket, and ready to celebrate all wins, big and small, Farah says "ahla w sahla" or “welcome” to her latest adventure in this wonderland.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

Here are our favourite gift ideas for Christmas in the Netherlands in 2024

Are you on the hunt for the best Dutch Christmas presents to give to your nearest and dearest? We’ve sourced the merriest bits and...

8 things you need for travelling around the Netherlands

A well-connected public transportation system, the locals’ ability to speak excellent English, and the Netherlands’ modest size all make it one of the easiest...

These 17 changes are hitting Dutch wallets in 2025

Hoera! The new year is approaching quickly — and with it come higher costs and income adjustments. 😬 As the AD writes, new financial changes...

It's happening