Omikron: Denmark with the highest incidence of seven days

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been dominating the development of infections in Denmark for more than two weeks. This is not surprising, as cases have increased significantly, according to data from the Danish Epidemic Surveillance Authority. According to the EU Epidemic Authority (ECDC) for the period between 7 and 21 December the number of infections was 2100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

This is the highest figure in Europe. The ECDC estimates this incidence across Europe over a 14-day period. The Danish Epidemic Control Authority Statens Serum Institute also estimates a seven-day incidence, reflecting infections among 100,000 inhabitants in the past seven days. The value, according to the data of the Serum-Institute in Copenhagen is 1621. This is the highest value in the world currently. In Germany, too, the incidence is calculated in seven days, which makes it difficult to compare data across Europe.

Lots of testing, lots of infection findings: Denmark sets records

In other countries, too, according to the EU authority, ECDC, infection rates are high. Slovakia and the Czech Republic meanwhile have over 1500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the span of 14 days, followed by Ireland with 1400 and the Netherlands with 1300. Also in France, Belgium, Cyprus respectively with 1000 The Omikron variant of the coronavirus is causing an increase in infections. For comparison: For Germany the EU authority, ECDE announces for the 14 days before Christmas a value of 790. The EU authority forecasts that the quota of infections in Europe in the coming days and weeks could increase significantly by the country in place. The wave of Omikron infections cannot be stopped, but it can be slowed down, according to the latest December 15 assessment of the pandemic situation.

More infections, less sick in serious condition

If we look at Denmark currently leading in the number of infections, it becomes clear that the spread of the infection is stronger than a year ago, when the number of infections was a quarter less than today. However the number of people being treated for coronavirus in hospital a year ago was much higher than it is now.

About 70 COVID-19 patients were treated in hospital in Denmark on Monday (December 27th). According to data from the Copenhagen epidemic control authority, this number has halved compared to January 2021.

The vaccination rate in Denmark is 77 percent. 42 percent of those vaccinated meanwhile received the third dose. Denmark has significantly strengthened prophylaxis, says in an analysis of the Serum-Institute. “The number of hospitalizations is manageable and that is the most important thing,” said Torben Mogensen, anesthesiologist and president of the Lunge Foreningen Patients’ Organization. “There is no reason to fear that our health system could collapse,” Mogensen told the Ritzau news agency.

The Danish media draw attention to the fact that the number of infections reported and the statistics at the beginning of the week with 16,000 new infections in 130,000 tests for coronavirus, may not give a realistic picture of the situation due to the Christmas holidays. Comparisons of infection rates are difficult because in Denmark, unlike other EU countries, many more tests are performed – and thus many more infections are detected.

For Germany the Robert-Koch Institute does a recalculation of the figures with a factor of four to six. This means that for any test-confirmed coronavirus infection it should be noted that four to six tests are not included in the documentation. How much this quota of non-inclusion in the documentation may be in other countries, this is difficult to verify.

For trips to Denmark from Monday (27.12) in addition to the vaccination document is required a negative test against COVID-19. Germany requires Danes who want to enter Germany to get a vaccination certificate. The unvaccinated should be quarantined.DW

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