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.

A virus changes constantly. The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is also constantly changing slightly. RIVM is conducting laboratory research to see how the virus is changing and what this means for the spread of the virus in the Netherlands. This is known as pathogen surveillance. 

Compliance with the COVID-19 measures could still be improved, even though it appeared to remain more or less the same overall in recent months. There is still broad support for these measures. There does not appear to be any immediate “COVID-19 fatigue” in the sense of a decrease in urgency and compliance. However, since the stricter measures were implemented, there has been another decline in social and mental well-being, with younger people scoring the worst. This was clear from behavioural research  conducted by RIVM and the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) around New Year’s.

RIVM is researching whether people who previously had Q fever have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

Autumn 2020 saw a strong surge in the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19. More stringent measures were introduced, followed by a significant, but relatively short-term downward trend. This decrease coincided with a significant change in behaviour, measured in mid-November. For example, Dutch people indicated that they avoid busy places more often than six weeks earlier (67%, compared to 58% previously). They also found it easier to do so, possibly as a result of the more stringent measures. This was clear from the eighth round of the behavioural study conducted by RIVM, the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters (GGD-GHOR) and the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

The coronavirus has the Netherlands in its grips. To gain insight into how people view the imposed coronavirus measures in the Netherlands, their motivation in adhering to the measures, and what the impact is on their daily lives,  RIVM and GGD GHOR (the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters) are conducting a large-scale study on this topic. The study explores human behaviour, what people think of the government’s behavioural measures, and how they are doing physically, mentally and socially in these corona times.

This page provides information about the flu jab and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The flu jab is the best protection against the consequences of getting the flu (influenza). All GPs will take the coronavirus measures into account during the annual flu vaccination clinic. You can get the flu jab safely.