ICER 2023: Circular targets remain out of reach The Netherlands aims to have a fully circular economy by 2050 and halve its use of raw materials by 2030. In recent years, however, little progress has been made in either regard.
Circular economy: plastics recycling from end-of-life vehicles could be four times higher At present, 85% of plastics from end-of-life vehicles is still incinerated. Only 15% of plastics is reused as a raw material. A survey conducted by RIVM has revealed possibilities to expand recovery of these plastics fourfold by 2030.
Air quality in the Netherlands in 2021 almost the same as in 2020 In 2021, the Netherlands once again met the European limit values for nitrogen dioxide emitted at ground-level by road traffic. This was also the case for particulate matter along the roads, with the exception of a small stretch of road near Velsen.
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.
Impact of coronavirus outbreak on participation in National Immunisation Programme limited Participation in the vaccinations against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus and polio) (DTaP-IPV) has decreased slightly among infants (-1%).
Omicron subvariant BA.2 becomes dominant, decrease in hospital admissions Since this week, the Omicron subvariant BA.2 has caused the most infections in the Netherlands. 1,149 patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to hospital in the Netherlands in the past week*, a decrease of 18% compared to the week before t
Increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions, positive tests reaching high plateau Last week*, 1,266 patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to hospital in the Netherlands, an increase of 7% compared to the week before that.
Over half a million positive COVID-19 tests, more hospital admissions Last week*, 530,015 positive COVID-19 tests were reported to RIVM**. That is an increase of 45% compared to the week before that. The number of new hospital admissions rose by 11% in the past week. ICU admissions rose by 18%.