CLEAN : Dutch say Omicron variant was already circulating in population before official identification

The transcript discusses the detection of the Omicron variant in passengers from South African countries and the Netherlands. Initial testing found 14 cases, and further laboratory analysis identified two more. The speaker suggests that many countries may have undetected cases and emphasizes the global spread of coronavirus variants, which are difficult to contain once they emerge.

How many additional cases of the Omicron variant were found from the sequencing exercise?

What is the significance of the dates mentioned in relation to the Omicron variant findings?