COVID 19: Omicron Variant Was in Europe Earlier

• Officials have disclosed that the new COVID 19 Omicron variant was in the Netherlands longer than was originally reported

• The strain was identified in two test samples that were taken between 19 and 23 November

• It was previously believed that the first case of the virus in the Netherlands was brought by passengers arriving from South Africa

The new COVID 19 omicron variant has been in the Netherlands longer than initially recorded, officials have disclosed.

A recent report revealed that the strain was identified in two test samples that were taken between 19 and 23 November, before South Africa’s first Omicron case was recorded.

It has not been disclosed if those people with the virus had visited South Africa.

It was originally believed that two flights that arrived in the Netherlands on Sunday had bought the first cases of the variant.

14 people on flights to capital Amsterdam tests positive to the omicron variant among 61 passengers that tested positive to COVID 19.

However, while the revelation proves that the omicron strain of COVID 19 was in the Netherlands earlier than originally reported, it doesn’t predate the first recording in South Africa.

Read also: Moderna To Ready Omicron Vaccine in Early 2022

South Africa recorded its first case of the omicron variant on November 9, according to the World Health Organization.

Evidence has shown that the new strain has a higher rate of reinfection but tests are still being carried out to find out if omicron is resistant to the current vaccines.

Follow Naija.fm on our social media handles Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with trending news, breaking news, entertainment news, and hot gist.