Annually, RIVM publishes an overview of surveillance data and scientific developments of the 13 infectious diseases against which the Dutch National Immunisation Programme (RVP in Dutch) vaccinates. The report on Surveillance and Developments also contains information about infectious diseases that are not (yet) included in the National Immunisation Programme, but for which a vaccine is available, such as chickenpox and shingles. 

RIVM  has drawn up a generic framework of coronavirus measures for businesses, organisations, institutions, local authorities, and clubs and associations. The framework offers recommendations for how all these organisations and others can comply with the Dutch measures announced by the national government. Guiding principles such as staying 1.5 metres apart, following hygiene measures, and the health check are the basis for this framework. These principles are in line with the basic rules for everyone. This framework replaces previous guidance documents and assessment frameworks provided by RIVM. Specific parts of those documents have been added to this generic framework for coronavirus measures. In addition, extra considerations have been added for contact professions, sauna and wellness, choirs and vocal ensembles, athletes, indoor sports, and transport of groups to residential care locations and adult day services. The generic framework does not focus on healthcare. More information about the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19 specifically for the healthcare professional is available here.

Soon after the previous survey, a number of measures were relaxed. As of 25 September, the requirement to stay 1.5 metres apart was changed to a recommendation, and the recommendation to work from home was relaxed. Also, the COVID-19 entry pass was introduced for busy places where distancing would be impossible.

The RIVM newsletter informs partners, international organisations and institutions about the latest developments on health and the environment in the Netherlands and of the actions carried out by RIVM. 

RIVM magazine is the online magazine of the Dutch National Institute of Public Health and the Environment. It provides interviews with RIVM experts and articles on RIVM research in the field of public health, the environment and sustainability and its societal impact. RIVM magazine is free of charge and shared with professionals and anyone interested in our work.

This video explains the cervical cancer screening programme in simple terms, in English.

During the fifteenth survey round (from 8-12 September), it was announced that a number of measures would be relaxed at the end of September, such as the maximum number of visitors in cafés and restaurants and at events, the 1.5 metres distancing requirement, and the recommendation to work from home. Although steps are being taken to reduce overall measures, research results show that participants in the survey study are finding it more difficult to comply with the measures, including the social restrictions that will remain in effect. Vaccination coverage also seems to be a relevant factor: some of the participants indicated that they had become less compliant with the measures after vaccination.