The last survey round in this study (at least for the time being) was conducted just after the summer holidays, from 7–11 September 2022. The pressure on hospitals is currently lower than six months ago, but sewage surveillance figures show that there are still fairly high levels of the virus in circulation. To counter another surge of the coronavirus this autumn, the sectors have drawn up sector-specific plans. A number of behavioural recommendations to limit the spread of coronavirus are also still in effect, such as washing hands and testing in response to symptoms. Moreover, anyone aged 12 years and older will be able to get a repeat vaccination this autumn.

Since the last survey round (9-13 March 2022), all coronavirus measures have been discontinued. During the current survey round (8-12 June 2022), some behavioural recommendations still applied to limit the further spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, such as hygiene recommendations and testing and staying at home in the event of symptoms. Compared to the previous survey round, there are now far fewer people in hospital because of the coronavirus, and people are now advised to self-test with symptoms rather than getting tested by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

Good ventilation is necessary for a healthy and pleasant indoor climate. It helps to prevent transmission of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. This animated video explains what ventilation means and how to ventilate your home.

People in the Netherlands were slightly more likely to test positive for COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 based on how close they lived to a livestock farm. These findings are from exploratory research conducted by RIVM. The cause is not clear. The virus is spread through human-to-human transmission, but air quality may possibly also play a role. Further research is needed to determine whether that is the case.

The coronavirus pandemic put the healthcare system under a lot of stress. Elective healthcare, such as operations for conditions that were not immediately life-threatening, was often postponed. As a result, some people experienced a longer period of ill health than they would otherwise have done. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has calculated the effects of postponed healthcare on the health of those affected over 2020 and 2021.

Since spring 2022, the previous coronavirus measures have been discontinued in the Netherlands. However, COVID-19 is not gone. To minimise the risk that the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will keep spreading, several key recommendations are still in effect.

During the current survey round (9-13 March 2022), most coronavirus measures had been discontinued and normal opening hours had resumed for all locations. However, various recommendations were still in effect to prevent the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, such as washing hands, testing if symptoms developed, and self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. Survey participants were less and less worried about the virus and social activities continue to increase.

RIVM draws up the guidelines and protocols for testing for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and for source and contact tracing, working in cooperation with doctors, microbiologists and GGD GHOR. The Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs), laboratories and hospitals carry out the tests. The quality of the tests being offered is very important in this context.