In the Netherlands, coronavirus Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 are spreading rapidly. The number of Covid cases due to these variants doubled within 1 week.
Experts say this development could be the beginning of a new summer wave related to coronavirus.
According to the positive test result figures obtained by the University of Amsterdam Medical Faculty and the Amsterdam Community Health Center (GGD), BA.4 and BA.5 variants accounted for 27 percent of corona infections 1 week ago, now this figure has doubled.
BA.4 and BA.5 variants now account for about 54 percent of the cases that emerged this week.
Dutch sewage measurements also show an increasing number of coronavirus particles, according to public broadcaster NOS.
Medical microbiologist Matthijs Welkers from the University of Amsterdam Medical School said that the development of BA.4 and BA.5 variants will likely lead to an increase in Covid cases in the Netherlands in the coming period.
According to Welkers, a wave of coronavirus has been experienced in Portugal since May as a result of the same variants, according to data from his University in the USA.
Welkers told Dutch Television, “These developments could be the start of a summer wave. You’re seeing the BA.4/BA.5 variants predominant faster. We’re also seeing an increase in sewer measurements and in the number of infection reports. Putting it all together, my conclusion is, “The number of infections will continue to increase,” he said.
The Dutch expert emphasized that the Omicron sub-variants are less disturbing compared to the previous variants, so there will not be an influx of patients to hospitals.
However, according to Welkers, serious problems may arise for companies as a result of the combination of the workforce deficit, which will increase even more due to the approaching holiday period, with Covid cases.
The Dutch Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM) reports that it is too early to conclude that a new coronavirus outbreak is imminent in the summer.
Dutch Health Minister Ernst Kuipers also stated that the number of infections and the number of people who became ill enough to need hospital help increased slightly, adding, “However, the situation is not alarming at the moment. As always, we continue to monitor this.”