Previously known as the Indian variant, the Delta variant of the coronavirus has claimed its place in the Netherlands. Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans expects it to continue spreading.
Currently, the variant is more common in the Rotterdam region than in other parts of the country. “We expect that to continue, so it’s important that the basic measures remain in place,” Koopmans tells Rijnmond.
While it’s easy to get carried away by the new relaxations, it’s necessary to still respect social distancing and keep the 1.5-metre distance.
Similar situation as the UK
Numbers show that the Delta variant is more contagious than other coronavirus strains. In the UK, it quickly superseded the other variants, which forced the country to postpone its plans for reopening.
Increased infections?
In the Netherlands, Koopmans says we might encounter a similar situation to the one we had around Christmas. Just like the British variant at the time, she now expects the Delta variant to become much more widespread and cause increased infection rates.
Currently, it’s responsible for about three percent of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands. This number is slightly higher in Rotterdam. However, Koopmans reassures that they are keeping a close eye on it.
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I think the Government is taking things to fast. They should look at UK and watch what is going on over there. Take one step at a time. Do not relax all the rules. Otherwise we will be repeating what happened last year. Mask should yet be mandatory in shops and closed areas.
We all want to visit our loved ones especially the vulnerable ones. But if this carries on because of quick relax decisions. Ones never learn.
Were the variants not given names so thay they are not referred back to the countries and instigate unwanted hate?
That’s some questionable journalism therr
I want to travel to Holland from the USA. But, like Holland, we have a deadly rise in numbers of COVID patients from the Delta Variant. It isn’t going to end until there is
heard immunity. THat will never happen in the US because too many people have been brainwashed by republican/conservative idiots who peddle false info about the insignificance of this virus which they claim is either a hoax or nothing worse than the flu or cold. Don’t make our mistakes. Refute the liars now, the the vaccine, and continue to wear masks and stay away from big social gatherings. What choice do we have?