RIVM Newsletter

Since we are in unprecedented times, defined by a global coronavirus pandemic, this newsletter’s focus is on the coronavirus crisis. The first confirmed COVID-19 case in the Netherlands was reported on 27 February and the numbers have increased rapidly since then. The Dutch government has put measures in place to stop the spread. RIVM advises the Dutch government, monitors the outbreak and conducts research into the novel coronavirus.   

In the event of a nation-wide outbreak of infectious disease in the Netherlands, RIVM coordinates efforts to control the disease. This is also the case during the current outbreak. RIVM is working closely with experts and representatives from various organisations. Read more 

In the Netherlands, one of our main priorities is to ensure that the hospitals, nursing homes and home care services are not overwhelmed, so there is always enough capacity in our healthcare system. In addition, we want to protect vulnerable groups. Various approaches have been considered for how our country can respond to the spread of the virus. The Netherlands has chosen an approach known as a ‘targeted lock-down’. Read more

The government has implemented measures to control the coronavirus outbreak in the Netherlands. RIVM is monitoring the progress of the outbreak very closely. Any new information or developments are always incorporated into the advisory reports that RIVM provides to the Cabinet, so our government leaders can decide whether to maintain the current measures, ease current restrictions or implement stricter measures. Read more

To control the novel coronavirus, it is important to use our available test capacity and resources wisely. This is important so that sufficient tests can be administered, both now and in the long term. Right now, it is not possible to test everyone, because not enough laboratory material available for certain specific steps in the test procedure. This is an international problem and is not limited to the Netherlands. Read more

RIVM publishes daily updates on the number of patients with COVID-19 in the Netherlands. These are the confirmed cases that Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) are required to report to us. We know that the number of people who actually have the virus is higher. This is because not everyone who may be infected is also tested for the virus. This daily update can be found here.

RIVM is carrying out research among families in the Netherlands where someone has contracted the novel coronavirus. The aim is to gather more information about how long symptoms last, how long it takes to recover, and how people build up immunity to the virus. In addition, we want to know if children also pass the virus on to others. See also 

RIVM is carrying out research among families in the Netherlands where someone has contracted the novel coronavirus. The aim is to gather more information about how long symptoms last, how long it takes to recover, and how people build up immunity to the virus. In addition, we want to know if children also pass the virus on to others. See also 

Working with Sanquin, the organisation that runs the Dutch blood banks, RIVM is looking into the extent to which people in the Netherlands have antibodies against the new coronavirus in their blood. See also

RIVM will be carrying out a large-scale study on immunity to the novel coronavirus. This multi-year study will continuously provide information that is needed to control the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. By conducting this study, we want to gain insight into how immunity develops in different age groups. RIVM would also like to know how people remain immune. Read more

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in wastewater in the Netherlands, according to RIVM research. A small percentage of patients with COVID-19 have the novel coronavirus in their gastrointestinal tract, and thus excrete it in their faeces. Read more

"Wastewater exposure involves contact through air, touch or ingestion. That makes it important to take a broader perspective in finding solutions. As is exemplified in the current COVID-19 crisis. Among many other tools, a Technical brief was developed by WHO on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Waste Management for COVID-19 to which our WHO Collabaring Centre has contributed".  Read this interview with Ana Maria de Roda Husman.

Our International projects database has been updated

News on RIVM website

In our first issue of this years' newsletter, we published an item on animal testing. The first paragraph should have read as follows. In its Transition Programme for Innovation without the use of animals (TPI), the Netherlands aims at increasing the pace of animal-free innovation. RIVM is a partner of the TPI programme and is actively involved in research and policy advice aimed at achieving the replacement, reduction and refinement (the 3R principle) of animal use in regulatory safety assessment of chemicals and medicines. As such, RIVM contributes to the transition to non-animal testing in vaccine control. See also 

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our news and updates straight to your mailbox. Please forward our newsletter to anyone who may be interested. Subscribe here