The corona measures have been temporarily stopped, but the government does advise to ‘stay vigilant’ on the corona virus. Not surprising, because RIVM saw a new omikron variant emerge last week.
RIVM reported that the BA.5 variant of the coronavirus has been detected in the Netherlands† It is a subtype of the omikron variant. The good news – it is not more sickening or contagious than the variant that is now circulating (variant BA.2). The government advises to stay vigilant. In concrete terms, the advice is to continue to follow hygiene measures, such as coughing and sneezing in the elbow, washing hands regularly, staying home in case of complaints and ensuring sufficient fresh air. You no longer have to quarantine if you have been in contact with someone who is infected. But if you test positive for corona yourself, there is still an urgent one insulation advice of at least 5 days† RIVM is now investigating whether the isolation period can be shortened. After all, the government continues to urgently advise you to get vaccinated, if necessary for a repeat shot.
New vaccines
Minister Ernst Kuipers has said that new rounds of vaccination against corona are to be expected. That could already be in September when the new vaccine is ready, the minister, following Germany’s example, expects† The long-term expectation is that the new vaccines will protect against the then circulating viruses, just like the annual flu shot. Only people over 60 may be invited for this, just like with the flu shot. But it still looks a bit like coffee grounds, because it just depends on which new outbreaks are coming.
Long-term
No one knows yet how contagious or sickening a new variant will be. The government tries to be prepared for all scenarios and has a long-term strategy developed. A new proposal in this strategy is to set up a Social Impact Team in addition to an Outbreak Management Team, which will mainly look at the consequences of corona measures for society.
