WILLEMSTAD – Several people in Curaçao are currently experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-XFG, a new variant of COVID-19 that has mainly been circulating in the Netherlands and the United States. This was stated on Thursday morning during a radio interview by Dr. Yves Schoop.
According to Dr. Schoop, symptoms associated with COVID-XFG include a runny nose, dry or irritated throat, sneezing, coughing, headaches, and loss of appetite. In some cases, patients may also experience a loss of smell.
Dr. Schoop emphasized that individuals who test positive or show symptoms of COVID-XFG do not need to take extraordinary measures beyond the existing health guidelines. He advised people to continue following basic precautions such as maintaining distance when possible, wearing a face mask, washing hands regularly, and taking good care of their overall health.
Special attention should be given to protecting older adults, who remain more vulnerable to respiratory infections, in order to prevent further transmission.
According to Schoop, symptoms typically subside on their own after about five days. He stressed that COVID-XFG does not appear to be as dangerous as earlier forms of COVID-19, and that the variant has likely been introduced by travelers arriving from colder countries.
“There is no reason to panic,” Dr. Schoop said, adding that consistent hygiene practices remain sufficient to manage the situation. Health authorities continue to monitor developments, while residents are encouraged to stay alert and act responsibly.