Coronavirus monitoring in sewage research expanded and extended Since March 2020, RIVM has been working with the water boards in the Netherlands to monitor sewage for traces of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The measurements are an important supplement to other COVID-19 studies.
Fewer cases, higher percentage of positive tests In the week of 31 March to 6 April, 48,186 people in the Netherlands received a positive test result for COVID-19. That is a decrease of 7% compared to the week before.
New hold on vaccination with AstraZeneca for people under 60 years The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has decided to stop vaccinating with the COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca for people under 60 (born in 1961 or later), effectively from now until Wednesday.
People born 1947-1951 invited for COVID-19 vaccination starting 6 April Starting Tuesday 6 April, the first people in the next age group will receive an invitation from RIVM for a COVID-19 vaccination. These people were born in the years from 1947 through 1951.
Single vaccination after COVID-19 infection within the past six months Starting today, people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past six months can indicate when scheduling a vaccination appointment that they only want one vaccine dose.
Higher mortality during heatwave in July in the Netherlands During the last heatwave, almost 400 more deaths were reported than was expected on overage for that period. The additional deaths mainly concerned persons aged 75 years and older.
Lyme disease costs EUR 20 million annually The societal costs of Lyme disease have been determined for the Netherlands for the first time. The disease appears to cost nearly EUR 20 million each year.
Slight increase of ammonia emissions In 2015 slightly more ammonia was emitted in the Netherlands than in 2014 and the ceiling set by the European Union was met (128 kilotons).
TIME honours Guus Velders of RIVM TIME has named Professor Guus Velders of RIVM as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Every year, 300,000 tick bites in urban areas One in 5 tick bites occurs in an urban area. Although most tick bites occur in the countryside, many people are bitten in urban areas as well.