Prognosis

Dutch Cluster Suggests Omicron Has a Foothold in Europe

Variant identified or suspected in several countries
Europe is already struggling with a fourth coronavirus wave

The Covid-19 test center at Schiphol Airport.
Photographer: Peter Boer/Bloomberg

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By Ros Krasny

November 28, 2021 at 12:43 PM UTC

Updated on

November 28, 2021 at 4:50 PM UTC

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The 13 omicron Covid-19 cases identified in the Netherlands on Sunday -- along with additional ones confirmed in Germany and the U.K. -- suggest the new variant already has a strong foothold in Europe.

Vaccine makers are racing to evaluate the new strain to see if new formulations will be required. There are indications the symptoms associated with omicron are mild, top South African health officials said.