Situation in the Netherlands remains concerning In the week from 10 to 16 March, 39,527 people received a positive test result for COVID-19, nearly 25% more than in the week before that. The reproduction number completely above 1 this week. Sander Koning
Prospects not looking good yet The number of people who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 increased by 20% last week. The number of people who tested positive rose by 7%. The reproduction number also rose above 1.
Care workers in nursing homes and small-scale residential facilities invited for COVID-19 vaccination starting today As of today, the ca. 269,000 care workers of nursing homes and small-scale residential facilities in the Netherlands are invited to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination.
Population screening programmes temporarily on hold Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the health care capacity in the Netherlands is expected to come under severe pressure in the coming period.
Discussion regarding health-based guidance value of PFOA The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a provisional health-based guidance value for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Blood spot test extended as of 1 January 2017 to include two more disorders As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.
Health effects due to titanium nanoparticles in food and toothpaste cannot be excluded Health effects due to exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles via food, food supplements and toothpaste cannot be excluded.
Tool for risk assessment of nanomaterials in cosmetics Both regulators and manufacturers need to evaluate and manage consumer health risks that may be posed by the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics.
Nanotechnology increasingly used in medical devices The application of nanotechnology to design and produce medical devices is increasing. RIVM provides an overview of nanotechnology enabled medical devices.
Newborn heel prick screening starts on St Eustatius and Saba On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.