On 29 February, a woman in Delft was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Netherlands. The woman had been in Lombardy, in Northern Italy, last week. She is staying at home in isolation.

The woman has had no contact with the other infected patients, in Loon op Zand and Diemen. The GGD Haaglanden has started investigating with whom the woman has been in contact in recent days. They have to take their temperature twice a day and report to the GGD in case of health complaints.

As of 29 February, a total of seven cases of novel coronavirus have been diagnosed in the Netherlands. The first infections were in a man from Loon op Zand and a woman from Diemen. Today it became clear that of both patients two family members were also infected with the virus.

The novel coronavirus is transmitted by little droplets, for example when someone coughs or sneezes. To prevent the virus from being spread, the GGD and RIVM are checking with whom the patient has been in contact during the infectious period. These people must monitor their health, check their temperature twice a day and they must report this to the GGD. These measures reduce the chance of the virus spreading in the Netherlands.

RIVM remains alert for any possible new infections. If any are found, the same protocol is put into action: isolate, contact investigation and monitoring of the patient.

Symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are a fever with respiratory problems (coughing or shortness of breath). Persons who have visited an area where novel coronavirus is widespread (such as China, South-Korea, and some municipalities in Italy) who show these symptoms can be tested for novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the disease that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A doctor can also order the test if someone has been in contact with a known patient with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).