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%).
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.
Gap between intention and behaviour in staying home and testing for COVID-19 The Dutch policy of staying home and getting tested if you have corona-related symptoms can count on support from the majority of the over 50,000 participants in RIVM’s behavioural study.
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.
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.
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.
Air quality Sint Maarten landfill At the beginning of 2019, RIVM measured the air quality around the landfill at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten for two weeks. No or hardly any harmful substances were measured.
RIVM will make measurements around the Sint Maarten landfill From 21 January 2019, a team from RIVM will travel to Sint Maarten to make measurements and take samples at various locations around the landfill in Philipsburg.
Risks of potential release of genetically modified mosquitoes evaluated On Saba, a Dutch Caribbean island, diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika can be reduced by the use of genetically modified mosquitoes.
Alertness about the Zika virus still needed for pregnant women Since May 2015, there has been a Zika virus outbreak in South and Central America, including the Caribbean. The Zika virus can cause birth defects, including microcephaly (small head size).