Dutch research results published today show that the protection offered by vaccination or previous infection is less effective in preventing infection with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 than infection with the Delta variant. 

Infections involving the Omicron variant are still in the minority for now, but are increasing rapidly.

Vaccination offers more than 80% protection against an infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 among people under 70 years old who are tested due to symptoms.

For the first time since the start of the NSL (2009), the Netherlands complies with the European limit values for nitrogen dioxide along traffic roads. The Netherlands almost met the limit values for particulate matter (PM10) in 2020.

RIVM has calculated the impact of different ventilation rates on the number of people who become ill due to aerogenic transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in indoor spaces.

Compliance with coronavirus measures such as working from home, distancing and testing if you have symptoms increased during the recent period of high infection rates and hospital admissions.

As of Friday 3 December, the recommendation in the Netherlands is to use a self-test in case of mild symptoms, as an alternative to a test by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

More than 15,000 people are taking part in the LongCOVID study conducted by RIVM. Participants with existing long-term symptoms after COVID-19 (Long COVID) reported higher healthcare utilisation.

RIVM is involved in the Horizon2020 project INHERIT. The first article of the INHERIT project has been published, lead-authored by RIVM.

RIVM’s Collaborating Centre for Risk Assessment of Pathogens in Food and Water was invited to WHO’s side event during the 41st Codex Alimentarius Commission on July 4th 2018.