After consulting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), RIVM has decided to activate the National Heatwave Plan throughout the Netherlands as of 18 June 2026. The reason for activating this plan is to let informal carers and care professionals know that a heatwave is coming.

Once every two years, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) assesses the health impacts of the plans under the Clean Air Agreement (Schone Lucht Akkoord, SLA). According to the third progress assessment, health gains from cleaner air in 2030 will be greater than predicted two years previously.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has issued a warning for high levels of ozone in the Netherlands on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. The highest concentrations appear to be occurring in a band from Leiden towards Hilversum, Utrecht and Flevoland, reaching as far as Zwolle. Air quality in and near this band may be ‘poor’ due to smog from ozone.

An RIVM questionnaire survey shows that most Dutch people know that animals can transmit infectious diseases. However, people are unfamiliar with all the ways in which they can become infected. And they do not always know the measures which can protect them. For example, half of those surveyed do not wash their hands after contact with pets.

On 18 May 2026, at around 10.30 am, the cruise ship Hondius was moored at an enclosed part of the port of Rotterdam. 27 people are still on board the ship: crew members and medical personnel. On arrival in Rotterdam, these people will disembark in a phased and controlled manner. They will be accommodated in a special quarantine area in the port of Rotterdam. All measures taken are aimed at ensuring safe and controlled handling of the situation. The likelihood of the Andes virus spreading in the Netherlands is therefore still very low.

An airplane arrived this evening at Eindhoven Airport, carrying passengers and part of the crew of the cruise ship where the Andes virus was detected. In the coming weeks, the group will be closely monitored to provide them with appropriate care should they need it. The people who need to be quarantined will be supported by the GGD.

At the moment, there are 3 people in the Netherlands with symptoms who have been tested for the Andes virus, a variant of the hantavirus. Two test results are negative. The third test is still being analysed. These 3 individuals developed symptoms after they had contact on board an airplane with a person infected with the Andes virus.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has investigated the progress and outcomes of the Dutch Action Plan on Physical Activity, implemented between 2023 and 2025.

The appeal and consumption of e-cigarettes are influenced not only by the sweet flavours but also the colour, as revealed by a study by Ina Hellmich (RIVM). For that reason she has called for the introduction of a standard, neutral design for e-cigarettes, following on from the flavour ban. Hellmich will conclude her PhD at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) today, on this topic.

Although there is a growing awareness of the negative impact of stress on workers’ health, the fact that it can also cause workplace accidents is often overlooked. In a recent survey, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) interviewed a number of workers about their experiences in the workplace. The interviewees agreed that stress can lead to dangerous situations. To prevent such situations, it is important to draw attention to the effects stress can have on safety.