Netherlands: Omicron responsible for 10-15% of new COVID cases in the country

Omicron variant is responsible for 10-15% of new positive COVID cases in Nerlands, according to Jaap van Dissel, chairman of country's outbreak control committee. number of positive COVID cases continues to double every 2.5 days, according to scientist, Dutch Brocasting Foundation reported.

Nerlands declared on Sunday that a lockdown would be implemented until January 14 to stop spre of Omicron variant. Bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, museums, atres, gyms, and stores that do not offer necessary products have all been closed. Despite fact that over 65% of population is properly vaccinated, country has seen a spike in positive COVID cases.

Despite a lockdown, Dissel believes that strain on country's healthcare system will increase in coming weeks. re is no solid evidence that new coronavirus strain is less likely to produce infection as severe as earlier strains, according to Dissel.

Dutch Brocasting Foundation reported, during a parliamentary briefing, scientist stated that, "Even amid a lockdown, we can expect 100 to 150 hospitalisations a day, assuming that Omicron strain will provoke same number of hospitalisations as Delta variant."

Nerlands imposed new regulations for third-nation travellers

Following government's countrywide lockdown enforced earlier this week due to Omicron variant, Dutch authorities have issued ditional arrival criteria for third-country nationals. Beginning December 22, all arrivals from third countries, regardless of vaccination status, must submit a pre-departure test, according to an official press release. ditionally, immigrants with a vaccine or recovery certificate from very high-risk locations are needed to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, with option to stop quarantine on fifth day if a negative test result is presented.

“All travellers from age of 12 years from outside EU/Schengen need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result for travel to Nerlands. This needs to be a NAAT/PCR test with sample taken a maximum of 48 hours before departure or an antigen test with sample taken a maximum of 24 hours before departure. This includes travellers with proof of vaccination or recovery,” press release stated.

Travellers who have returned from places where a virus variation has tested positive for Coronavirus, as well as those who live with m and all or contacts, must self-quarantine for 10 days. Furrmore, regardless of ir quarantine duty, Dutch authorities vise travellers to complete declaration form.

According to data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), re have been 151 positive cases of Omicron variant in Nerlands to date. Furrmore, according to World Health Organization (WHO), 99,949 positive COVID cases were reported in country in last week, with 357 deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Image: AP)