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.
Risk of measles outbreaks increases with decreasing vaccination coverage Vaccination coverage for vaccinations in the Dutch National Vaccination Program (NIP) decreased slightly by about half a percent for the third consecutive year.
Alertness about the Zika virus still needed for pregnant women Since May 2015, there has been a Zika virus outbreak in South and Central America, including the Caribbean. The Zika virus can cause birth defects, including microcephaly (small head size).
More gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia at Dutch STI clinics An increasing number of clients tested at a Dutch STI clinic for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is diagnosed with gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia.