GPs feel more personalised care for chronically ill patients was useful during coronavirus pandemic During the coronavirus pandemic, GPs had to take over some of the tasks of hospitals and mental healthcare providers.
Post-COVID less common after Omicron infection After a SARS-CoV-2 infection involving Omicron, 1 in 10 people still have symptoms three months later. This is almost 2 times lower than after an infection involving the Delta variant. This is evident from new results of the LongCOVID study at RIVM. There is variation in the frequency of specific post-COVID symptoms after an infection with the Omicron or Delta variant.
Quick action needed to prevent drinking water shortage in 2030 The demand for drinking water will increase until at least 2030. The supply is under strain due to climate change and pollution. There are already regional shortages. If measures are not taken, shortages will occur throughout the Netherlands in 2030.
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.
Brazilian coronavirus variants (P1 and P2) found in the Netherlands Two new variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have been found in the Netherlands, both originating from Brazil.
Last winter’s flu epidemic was short and mild. And then COVID-19 arrived. The flu epidemic in the winter of 2019/2020 was mild and lasted only 5 weeks.
UK variant gains ground in the Netherlands In the past week, from 20 to 26 January, the reported number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 decreased slightly, dropping by 8%.
Rise in new COVID-19 variants overshadows more positive developments A moderately positive overview in the number of newly reported people who tested positive for COVID-19 can be observed in the Netherlands in the week of 13 to 19 January, as an effect of the lockdown that started on 15 December.