Since early April, it has been possible in the Netherlands to use a self-test to check if you may have been infected with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The tests are intended to detect additional infections with the virus in people who do not have any symptoms. The self-tests are not intended for use if you have symptoms. If you have symptoms, make an appointment right away to get tested by the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD).

Some people have long-term symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is referred to as ‘Long COVID’ or ‘PASC’: Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. These symptoms may persist for several weeks after COVID-19, but could sometimes last several months.

Compliance with the coronavirus measures in the Netherlands, such as the night-time curfew, working from home and avoiding crowds, is still high. Support for the rules regarding visitors has fallen sharply, however, in response to the reduction from two people to one person. This has been accompanied by a continued decline in social and mental well-being. Those surveyed expressed a need for a clear course of action and fairer distribution of the burdens caused by the pandemic. This was clear from behavioural research conducted by RIVM and the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

In the 95th OMT, supplementary measures were recommended to reduce transmission in childcare facilities and schools due to the high incidence in society overall and the prevention of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. These recommendations to childcare facilities and schools are presented in this Generic Framework. Guiding principles such as distancing, limiting the number of contacts, following hygiene measures, and the health check are the basis for this framework. These principles are in line with the basic rules for everyone.

In the 95th OMT, supplementary measures were recommended to reduce transmission in childcare facilities and schools due to the high incidence in society overall and the prevention of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. These recommendations to childcare facilities and schools are presented in this Generic Framework. Guiding principles such as distancing, limiting the number of contacts, following hygiene measures, and the health check are the basis for this framework. These principles are in line with the basic rules for everyone.

When a virus replicates, it can change very slightly every time. This change is usually so small that it has almost no effect on how ill you become and how the virus spreads. Sometimes a change does cause a virus to behave differently, for example allowing it to spread more easily. RIVM closely monitors changes in the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the Netherlands and the consequences of those changes. 

Why do some people become ill from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 while others do not? Where do people contract the virus? This and other risk factors for COVID-19 are being investigated by RIVM in collaboration with the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters (GGD-GHOR) in the CONTEST study.

The PCR test detects the presence of small fragments of genetic material from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in nasal and throat mucus. It is the most widely used and most reliable test for the virus.