COVID-19 figures decreasing, but still high There were 1,998 new hospital admissions of patients with COVID-19 last week, 7% less than the week before. 343 new patients with COVID-19 were admitted to ICU, a 9% decrease.
Omicron variant confirmed in another 18 people in the Netherlands RIVM is monitoring the spread of the Omicron variant in various ways. For that purpose, the test samples taken from people who tested positive for COVID-19 are subjected to further analysis.
Wider availability of self-tests leads to higher willingness to test 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). Beeld: ANP
Healthcare utilisation increases with Long COVID symptoms 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.
EU air policy gives an average of 6 extra years of life in the Netherlands Since the 1970s, European policies to improve air quality have resulted in fewer emissions in many countries.
New environmental noise and health guidelines Exposure to environmental noise is expected to cause more health problems in the Netherlands. There is increasingly more noise, and new houses are being built closer to noise sources.
Residential Wood Burning Alert in unfavourable weather conditions As of this autumn, RIVM will advise against burning wood in unfavourable weather conditions and or poor air quality.