Every fifth air passenger from Africa is infected with Omicron: the result of testing in the Netherlands

The Dutch authorities reported disappointing results of a study on the infection of the new Omicron coronavirus strain on passengers on the last two flights from African countries who arrived before the ban on such flights was introduced. These results indicate that Omicron spreads even faster than its previous mutations.

Reported by the Associated Press.

Situation in the Netherlands

The Ministry of Health of the Netherlands announced that 13 citizens who arrived from African countries on Friday were diagnosed with a new strain of the coronavirus COVID-19. Analyzes were taken from 61 people who flew in on the last two flights from Africa. The results of the analyzes of all these people are still unknown, so the number of those infected with Omicron may increase.

All passengers are placed in isolation.

Situation in the world

• The variant of coronavirus B.1.1.529, first identified in Botswana and South Africa, is called Omicron. It has been designated as “of concern” (VOC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Confirmed cases of the new variant of COVID-19 are already in Israel, Hong Kong, Australia – just a few days after the discovery of a new, more dangerous mutation of the coronavirus in South Africa was announced.
• The Israeli authorities took the toughest step – on the evening of Saturday, November 27, it was decided to temporarily close the borders for most foreign citizens. Also introduced a mandatory quarantine in hotels for Israelis who return from 50 “red” African countries.
• In the UK, two people have been identified as infected with Omicron. According to the BBC, on Saturday at an emergency press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a temporary (for three weeks so far) tightening anti-epidemic measures.
• In Germany, the National Academy of Sciences “Leopoldina” recommended in the coming days to return to the country restrictions on social contacts – to announce a lockdown.
• Due to the emergence of Omicron, which is more resistant to vaccines, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has recommended that governments introduce a booster dose for those aged 40 and over.
• Austria became the first country in the EU to make coronavirus vaccination mandatory for all citizens. A full national lockdown is also being introduced in the country.
• On the morning of November 28, the US Department of Health and Human Services said the Omicron strain was more infectious than other variants of the coronavirus.