Coronavirus cases had been steadily declining for the past 10 weeks, but the number of infections has doubled in the past week alone. It’s not all doom and gloom though, despite this, hospital admissions remain low.
The RIVM’s weekly figures show that last week there were 8,541 coronavirus infections in the Netherlands. The week before that, the number stood at 4,208 infections. This is the first time in ten weeks that there has been an increase in the weekly figures.
This has brought the Netherlands to a worrying risk level, where there are currently 35-100 positive tests per 100,000 inhabitants per week, reports RTL Nieuws.
Which age group has the most infections?
This spike in infections has mainly been seen among young people aged 10 to 29 years old. While the number of infections in this age group has been higher for a long time, this demographic now accounts for more than half of all infections — yikes.
It is important to note that this is also the age bracket in which the fewest people have been vaccinated.
The more contagious Delta variant
Data journalist, Jasper Bunkoek, tells RTL Nieuws that “the Delta variant is now going wild among the groups that have not yet been vaccinated”. The recent relaxations and return of more freedom is increasing the risk of so-called “fires” breaking out.
Meanwhile, Aura Timen of the RIVM tells RTL Nieuws that, “there are plenty of opportunities for viruses to spread easily. People are enjoying their freedom more and going to parties, catering establishments, and student associations.”
The concern is that these people will pass on the virus to older or more vulnerable people who have not yet been fully vaccinated.
Encouraging vaccination statistics in older age groups
Despite this, vaccination figures in the Netherlands are encouraging. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, almost three quarters of people over 18 have had at least one shot of a vaccine. While 44% are fully vaccinated.
Something to celebrate: hospital numbers are falling
On the back of this news, it may come as a surprise that hospital admissions are falling sharply. There are, however, still 212 coronavirus patients in hospital. This amounts to an average of only nine new admissions per day, with only one of these being an intensive care patient.
It remains to be seen whether this recent increase in infections will have an impact on future hospital admissions.
What are your thoughts on these new figures? Tell us in the comments below!
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