Scientists are rapidly churning out publications on the latest insights on the microplastics problem. There is, however, still a great deal that we do not know about the consequences of microplastics for man and the environment. Policymakers realise that we cannot afford to wait until all the gaps in our knowledge are filled before taking measures. This newsletter keeps you up to date on the most recent developments in knowledge and policy.

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.

The latest edition of our international newsletter focusses on news and developments on COVID-19 in the Netherlands and in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Read all about the role of RIVM in the COVID-19 vaccinations, PFAS, nitrate, the Public Health Foresight Study 2020 (including effect COVID-19) and much more. 

Researchers from the Netherlands are involved in a European project which aims to prepare Europe for a COVID-19 vaccine. The ACCESS project (Vaccine Covid-19 monitoring ReadinESS) is a feasibility study to prepare for monitoring the safety and effectiveness of the novel coronavirus vaccines when they become available on the market.

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 National Institute for Public Health and the Environment   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.

The Horizon2020 project BlueHealth has launched the BlueHealth toolbox. The resource helps to collect evidence that enhances the design and planning of urban blue spaces to promote public health. 

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.

Since mid-March 2020, various behavioural rules have been in force in the Netherlands aimed at reducing the number of contacts with others (e.g. maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres). The rules are also intended to help ensure that the coronavirus is not transmitted during contact with others (hygiene measures). If people believe that these behavioural rules will help to prevent infection (their own or others), this may help motivate them to follow the rules. However, the current situation also demands a great deal from people: these rules limit our freedom and our possibilities. This could have an impact on our mental, physical and social health – and on expectations for how long people will support the measures. These insights help the government to provide better support and information to citizens, so they will continue to comply with the behavioural rules.