Downward trend in COVID-19 continues: thermometer to status 1 Infections with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are continuing to decrease in the Netherlands. This trend is also reflected in hospitals and nursing homes. The coronavirus thermometer is therefore shifting to status 1. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on society and the healthcare system is currently limited.
Sustained avian flu outbreak is the most remarkable outbreak in 2021 discussed in Zoonoses Report The outbreak of the H5N1 variant of avian flu was the most remarkable outbreak in 2021. In October of that year, the Netherlands experienced the start of the biggest outbreak of avian flu since 2003.
Staying 1.5 metres apart is growing more difficult Staying 1.5 metres apart seems to be more and more difficult for people to manage.
Mortality still significantly elevated between 30 April and 6 May, but much lower than in previous weeks The total mortality rate in the Netherlands was significantly elevated in the week of 30 April to 6 May 2020. However, excess mortality was much lower than in previous weeks.
The 1.5-metre society is difficult to maintain Personal hygiene measures, such as not shaking hands, or using paper tissues, are not considered a problem by most Dutch people.
COVID-19 in nursing homes is stabilising The number of new nursing homes with COVID-19 patients is stabilising.
Rapid diagnostic tests are not reliable The Serology Task Force of the National Coordination Centre for Testing Capacity – a partnership between RIVM, hospitals and laboratories – has collected research results on rapid diagnostic tests
Rapid and accurate contact tracing required in the coming period Now that the Cabinet is relaxing the measures to combat the novel coronavirus step by step, people will go outside more frequently. The chance of the virus spreading again will then increase.
Clear impact achieved by national measures to combat the COVID-19 epidemic To monitor the effect of the measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus, the time when reported COVID-19 patients became ill was examined.