WILLEMSTAD - The omicron variant of the coronavirus has been officially detected in Curaçao. Epidemiologist Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth announced this during today's press conference.
The arrival of the omicron variant comes as no surprise. “Samples have been sent to Aruba and it has been officially determined that the variant is on our island,” Gerstenbluth said. Samples will also be sent to the Netherlands for further investigation. “But the evidence is abundantly clear.”
The infections are currently mainly among young people. Many people in the age category 18 to 33 years are infected. Gerstenbluth contradicts the rumors that the omicron variant is less dangerous. The reproduction number shows that each person infects two others on average. “The young people may not get that sick, but they do visit friends, family and grandparents during the holidays. The elderly and people with a chronic illness are a large risk group in Curaçao.”