News | RIVM

First patient with monkeypox in the Netherlands

This afternoon, a patient with monkeypox was confirmed in the Netherlands for the first time. RIVM researchers confirmed that the person has monkeypox with a PCR test.

Science Photo Library / ANP

Public opinion: keep society open and continue providing healthcare during COVID-19 surge

In the long-term approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch government is assigning a key role to civil society and private citizens. When asked what their priorities are in that context, the answer was to prevent delays in surgical interventions.

Significant increase in support for and compliance with coronavirus measures

Compliance with coronavirus measures such as working from home, distancing and testing if you have symptoms increased during the recent period of high infection rates and hospital admissions.

Wider availability of self-tests leads to higher willingness to test

As of Friday 3 December, the recommendation in the Netherlands is to use a self-test in case of mild symptoms, as an alternative to a test by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

Beeld: ANP

Compliance with coronavirus measures requires attention

Compliance with coronavirus measures such as working from home, distancing and testing if you have symptoms decreased in the weeks leading up to the Cabinet’s recent press conference.

More than health risks play a role in compliance with coronavirus measures

The risk of COVID-19 is not the only factor that determines compliance with the coronavirus measures; other risks also play a role.

Policy on coronavirus measures causes friction, but compliance is still high for now

Compliance with the coronavirus measures in the Netherlands, such as the night-time curfew, working from home and avoiding crowds, is still high.

Compliance with coronavirus measures has improved

Autumn 2020 saw a strong surge in the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19.

Coronavirus measures: public support remains high, despite concerns

With the rapid increase in infections, people estimate their own risk of becoming infected as higher than it was 6 weeks ago (previously 10%, now 18%).

More people getting tested if they have symptoms, staying home remains difficult

Since the recent resurgence of the novel coronavirus, more people perceive the virus as threatening. At the same time, support for the measures has increased and people are following the behavioural recommendations more closely.