The significant increase in the number of positive tests is attributed to the spread of Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 in the country. Amsterdam and Utrecht are among the areas where the outbreak was recorded.
New cases of coronavirus in the Netherlands increased by 64% last week, according to data announced today by the country’s health authorities. In particular, 15,526 new Covid-19 infections have been confirmed in the Netherlands in the last seven days, according to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
The significant increase in the number of positive tests is attributed by the RIVM to the spread of Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 which are “gaining more and more ground in the Netherlands”.
Amsterdam and Utrecht are among the areas where the outbreak was recorded.
The viral load in sewage has been increasing for two weeks throughout the country, notes RIVM.
It is emphasized, however, that despite the significant rise in new infections, the number of hospital admissions of Covid-19 patients has increased by only 12%. Experts warn that the disease from the virus could have serious consequences for those who belong to the so-called vulnerable groups of the population.
The RIVM advises citizens to “always self-test in case of discomfort” as flu cases are rare at this stage and cold symptoms may indicate Covid-19 infection.
