Coronavirus monitoring in sewage research throughout the Netherlands Together with the water boards, RIVM is currently testing sewage samples for the presence of the novel coronavirus. This involves a total of more than 300 sampling points at sewage treatment plants throughout the Netherlands.
Number and percentage of positive tests are increasing 8,265 new COVID-19 infections were reported over the past week by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs). For the second week in a row, there has been a sharp increase in the number of positive tests reported
More people getting tested if they have symptoms, staying home remains difficult Since the recent resurgence of the novel coronavirus, more people perceive the virus as threatening. At the same time, support for the measures has increased and people are following the behavioural recommendations more closely.
Number of newly reported COVID-19 infections remains stable 3,597 new COVID-19 infections were reported last week. This is almost the same as last week, when there were 3,588 newly reported infections
Staying 1.5 metres apart is growing more difficult Staying 1.5 metres apart seems to be more and more difficult for people to manage.
Mortality still significantly elevated between 30 April and 6 May, but much lower than in previous weeks The total mortality rate in the Netherlands was significantly elevated in the week of 30 April to 6 May 2020. However, excess mortality was much lower than in previous weeks.
The 1.5-metre society is difficult to maintain Personal hygiene measures, such as not shaking hands, or using paper tissues, are not considered a problem by most Dutch people.
COVID-19 in nursing homes is stabilising The number of new nursing homes with COVID-19 patients is stabilising.
Rapid diagnostic tests are not reliable The Serology Task Force of the National Coordination Centre for Testing Capacity – a partnership between RIVM, hospitals and laboratories – has collected research results on rapid diagnostic tests
Rapid and accurate contact tracing required in the coming period Now that the Cabinet is relaxing the measures to combat the novel coronavirus step by step, people will go outside more frequently. The chance of the virus spreading again will then increase.