Dutch authorities have detected coronavirus in passengers of two flights from South Africa

85 passengers on two planes that arrived in Amsterdam from South Africa have tested positive for coronavirus. This was reported by the company GGD Kennemerland, which conducted PCR testing of passengers on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Health.

“Due to the worrying omicron coronavirus strain, we are currently testing passengers on two flights from South Africa. 13.6% of positive results (85 infected passengers) were detected,” the company said.

The company was thanked by the Minister of Health of the Netherlands Hugo de Jong. He also said that passengers who tested positive, along with fellow travelers, would be quarantined at an airport hotel.

A new strain of COVID-19 "omicron" has been identified in countries in southern Africa, in particular in Botswana and South Africa. British scientists reported its appearance on November 24. According to Imperial College virologist Tom Peacock, this variant of the coronavirus contains 32 mutations, many of which increase its infectivity and vaccine resistance. Later, cases of infection with the new strain were reported in Hong Kong, Israel and Belgium, noting that the cases came from other countries. According to the authorities, the Omicron strain has not been identified in Russia.