THE HAGUE - Last month, the number of positive test results in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands increased slightly compared to the previous month. From 474 reports in November to 575 reports in December. The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reports this in its monthly report on the Caribbean islands.
The number of new COVID-19-related hospital admissions also increased slightly. There were 60 recordings, while there were 54 in November. COVID-19-related mortality was low in December. Five people died from the consequences of their covid infection, just like in November.
Curaçao reported 134 new positive test results last month, almost equal to the number of reports in November, 126. The number of new COVID-19-related hospital admissions increased slightly to seventeen. That was twelve in November.
In the last week of December and the first two days of the new year, nine people per 100,000 inhabitants received a positive test result and the test positivity was eight percent.
There are several subvariants and recombinants of the Omicron BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 that are being followed with extra attention. On the Leeward Islands, the subvariant 22E (Omicron) BQ.1 and derivatives (derived from BA.5) are dominant (88% on Curaçao, 87% on Aruba and 84% on Bonaire in week 51).
In addition, subvariants 22D (Omicron) BA.2.75 and derivatives and 22F (Omicron) XBB and derivatives (recombinant of BA.2.75 and BA.2.10) circulate.
Testing Policy
Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, testing policies on the islands have gradually changed. Not all COVID-19-infected persons are tested. The actual numbers are therefore higher than the numbers mentioned here.
As of March 8, 2022, positive test results are no longer reported daily by the islands. In the data presented from 8 March onwards, cumulative numbers of a period of several days may be reported within one reporting date.
Free
Until May 31, 2022, the Health Department (GGD) in Curacao performed source and contact research, BCO. Until June 4, 2022, Curacao offered free large-scale testing. From June 5, 2022, this policy has changed and testing for Corona-19 is no longer free.
From 5 June 2022, the percentage of positive tests cannot be unequivocally compared to the previous period, mainly due to the changed composition of the group of people who are tested.
The group that will be tested in the future will mainly concern travelers, (insured) persons with complaints and clinical test results.