NIPT available as standard option for all pregnant women from 1 April From 1 April 2023, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) will be available to all pregnant women. They do not have to take part in a scientific study for this.
COVID-19 less severe due to Omicron variants, vaccinations and previous infections The consequences of infections involving the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are decreasing. This is because nearly everyone in the Netherlands has built up immunity to COVID-19 as a result of vaccination and/or previous infection, and because the current Omicron variants are less likely to cause serious illness.
Young people less likely to contact GP for mental health problems The percentage of young people who report having mental health problems has hardly decreased since the last lockdown (in early 2022).
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.
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
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