More attention needed for potential impact of drug waste on drinking water quality Drug waste contains substances that are harmful to the quality of drinking water. Because this waste is dumped illegally, these substances can end up in sources of drinking water.
Key persons should be involved in policy for pandemics RIVM advises government authorities to involve ‘key persons’ in formulating policy for current and future pandemics. Results from RIVM research show that these individuals played a key role in ensuring an ongoing focus on social well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the limitations.
Potential effects of the reuse of building material on soil quality In a circular economy, building materials have a longer life cycle and are reused in innovative ways. Reusing building materials is sustainable, but can also be risky as building materials may contain contaminants such as heavy metals.
Reported COVID-19 infections are still rising, but less rapidly The number of reported COVID-19 infections continued increasing last week. However, the number of newly reported infections once again rose less quickly than in the week before that.
Coronavirus measures: public support remains high, despite concerns With the rapid increase in infections, people estimate their own risk of becoming infected as higher than it was 6 weeks ago (previously 10%, now 18%).
Novel coronavirus continues to spread unabated The number of reported cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in all regions and in all age groups. The Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) reported that 43,903 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week.
Initial results of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 very promising Two antigen tests for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19, which detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins within 15 minutes after testing, show very promising initial results.
Sewage research: decline of novel coronavirus in the Netherlands The first results of RIVM’s National Wastewater Surveillance show that the novel coronavirus in sewage is decreasing in the Netherlands.
Many people willing to isolate at home in case of positive COVID-19 test The sense of threatening danger from the novel coronavirus is declining. People are feeling less anxious and despondent than in the initial phase of the coronavirus pandemic.
Corona crisis has limited impact on infant participation in National Immunisation Programme Nearly all infants in the Netherlands are still participating in the National Immunisation Programme.