In the past week, the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Netherlands increased by 64% compared to the week before that. Although the number of positive tests has been rising since early June, this is not currently resulting in significantly more hospital admissions of people with COVID-19.
The number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 increased all across the Netherlands last week (+64% reported positive tests). The increase was observed among all age groups (see Figure 1). The largest increase was seen in Amsterdam-Amstelland, Utrecht and Hollands-Midden. A possible explanation for the upward trend is the increasing incidence of the BA.4/BA.5 sub-variants that are gaining ground in the Netherlands.
Figure 1: Number of reported positive tests per 100,000 inhabitants, by age group (2 May 2022 to 12 June 2022).
Starting two weeks ago, the number of virus particles in sewage has also been increasing throughout the Netherlands (see Figure 2). Infection Radar survey participants also reported more symptoms that can occur with COVID-19, such as coughing or muscle pain. The number of positive self-tests among Infection Radar survey participants is also rising.
Figure 2: For the past two weeks, the number of virus particles in sewage has been increasing again.
Despite the upward trend in the past few weeks, the increase in the number of patients admitted to hospital has been limited so far (+12%). Similarly, the number of nursing home residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 is not increasing rapidly. Although the virus is not currently leading to a significant increase in hospital admissions, it can still have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable groups.
It is still advisable to always use a self-test if you have symptoms. Flu is not widespread at this point in time, so cold symptoms could indicate an infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Read more in the weekly update coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 figures.