’twas before the two KLM planes, the hotel escaping couple, and the WHO’s classification as a variant of concern — that the first Omicron cases were in the Netherlands.
In fact, some Dutch cases of the concerning coronavirus variant can be detected as far back as 19 and 23 November.
In samples taken by the Dutch lab, Saltro, the Municipal Health Service (GGD) reported that some samples collected on these dates contained an abnormality in the spike of protein found in the virus. 🦠
Of these concerning samples, two cases have now been confirmed to be Omicron. However, it’s not yet certain whether the individuals have been to South Africa. Following this discovery, the GGDs have launched an investigation into the cases and contacted the people involved.
Ramifications
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently assesses the current Omicron global risk as “very high” with uncertainties on the degree of vaccine immunity and effectiveness.
The two KLM planes that landed from South Africa in Amsterdam carried 13 cases of the Omicron variant — which at that time, were thought to be the first in the Netherlands.
Follow DutchReview on Facebook and Instagram for the latest on the coronavirus in the Netherlands.
Feature Image: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels
Would be a good time to issue South Africans with an apology for making them pariahs and to applaud them instead for being on top of a situation that the Dutch Ministry of Health is clearly not.
Agree with Nic!
Ugh. Here’s the doctor that first spotted the Omicron variant. She says that the symptoms are really mild. We should be hoping that milder variants dominate so that fewer people head to the ICU. What’s all the fuss about? https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/coronavirus/no-reason-for-panicking-over-omicron-variant-says-south-african-doctor-who-spotted-it-1.4741117