The number of positive corona tests at the GGD has increased by more than 70% in the past week. There was also an increase in the number of IC admissions, according to the weekly figures of the RIVM on Tuesday. A spokesperson told NU.nl on Tuesday that the corona figures confirm the suspicion that a new corona wave has started in the Netherlands.
RIVM has received 26,462 positive corona test reports in the past seven days. According to the RIVM, the number of infections has increased in all regions and in all age groups. The institute registered 15,526 positive tests last week. The actual number of infections is likely higher because self-tests are not included.
The spokesperson says that Omikron’s BA.5 sub-variant is now really taking over. This subvariable replaces the other four subvariables (BA.1 to 4). Until last week, RIVM did not know which subvariable would be valid.
The sub-variants are better at dodging defenses, but they don’t seem to make people sick anymore. The number of infections is also increasing in other countries.
While the number of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 was fixed, the number of patients with Kovid admitted to intensive care increased by 37% compared to the previous week.
In total, hospitals admitted 268 covid patients last week, 10 more than the week before. Of these 268 patients, 22 were admitted to the intensive care unit. A week ago there were 16.
Further increase in positive corona tests
B.A5 dominance is also evident in wastewater samples
RIVM also follows the evolution of the pandemic by measuring the number of virus particles in waste water. The average number of virus particles increased by more than 37% compared to the previous week. The numbers were particularly high in Amsterdam and The Hague. A significant increase in the BA.5 subvariable can be observed in wastewater samples.
Due to the new corona wave, more and more people are going to the GGD to get confirmation that they are infected. Test streets carried out more than 32,000 corona tests last week, more than the two previous weeks combined. Of those tests, 68% were positive, the highest percentage since early March.
RIVM also has a site called Infection Radar where users keep track of their complaints and self-tests. There is also an increase.
In addition, the number of spawns increased to 1.25. This means that 100 people with corona infect an average of 125 people.
RIVM advises to repeatedly photograph vulnerable people
RIVM advises people who have not yet rehearsed to do so. This applies to people aged 70 and older, nursing home residents, adults with Down syndrome, and adults with severe immune disorders. On February 26, they received an invitation for an extra corona vaccine.
The Institute also advises people who have not yet received a reminder to do so.
It is difficult to say when the peak of the corona wave will be reached. RIVM expects that the number of positive tests will increase in all cases next week.
Source: NU
Jason Jack is an experienced technology journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in computer science and engineering, he has a deep understanding of the latest technology trends and developments. He writes about a wide range of technology topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity.