First wave of COVID-19 had major impact on regular healthcare and health During the first wave, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) had a major impact on healthcare in the Netherlands. Many patients faced delays in appointments and treatments.
Major increase in hospital admissions and ICU admissions due to COVID-19 The increase in the reported number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks was followed last week by an increase in the number of hospital and ICU admissions.
Increase in newly reported COVID-19 infections is cause for concern 27% more new COVID-19 infections were reported last week than in the week before that.
Possible start of COVID-19 vaccination in early January If all goes well, the first people in the Netherlands will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in early January. The logistics operation aims to start vaccination in the week of 4 January 2021.
Only minor decrease in number of newly reported COVID-19 infections Last week there was a slight decrease in the number of newly reported COVID-19 infections: 33,949 newly reported infections in the past week compared to 36,931 newly reported infections in the week
COVID-19 consequences impact vulnerable groups more in the long term The effects of the corona crisis have a greater impact on vulnerable groups in society, such as lower-educated adults, young people, the elderly and people with underlying health problems.
Compliance with coronavirus measures has improved Autumn 2020 saw a strong surge in the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19.
National Agreement leads to small improvement in intake of salt and sugar RIVM calculations show that only small steps have been taken to reduce daily salt and energy intake (via sugar) within the National Agreement to Improve Product Composition.
EFSA to use RIVM-model to assess the health risks of mixtures of plant protection products The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and RIVM are jointly conducting pilot assessments into the health risks posed to consumers through exposure to multiple pesticides via food.
PhD dissertation: Dutch Q fever epidemic in 'One Health' context Today Barbara Schimmer will be defending her PhD dissertation entitled The Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands in a One Health context, at Utrecht University.