WEBVTT

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The Omicron variant has spread rapidly...

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throughout the Netherlands.

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Just a few weeks after its arrival...

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in the Netherlands, it has already replaced
the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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We are not sure yet...

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about the Omicron variant’s potential
to cause illness(virulence).

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Initial studies from Denmark,
England and South Africa...

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suggest that this variant is less
virulent than the Delta variant.

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However, if it does turn out to be
less likely to cause severe illness...

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does not mean that it will not
lead to problems...

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because this variant is
much more contagious.

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If the number of infections increase
due to this variant...

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it will be followed by an increase
in hospital and ICU admissions.

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The tests available in the Netherlands,
including those used in the test lanes...

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the antigen tests and PCR tests,
but also the self-tests...

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all detect the Omicron variant
just as well as the Delta variant.

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Research shows that a previous infection
or completed vaccination series...

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provides significantly less protection
against infection with the Omicron variant...

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than against the Delta variant

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That makes it extra important
to get a booster vaccination.

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The booster vaccination gives an
extra ‘boost’ to your immune system...

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so you will be much less likely
to get the Omicron variant.