If all goes well, the first people in the Netherlands will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in early January. The logistics operation aims to start vaccination in the week of 4 January 2021.

RIVM has developed a step-by-step plan for the safe reuse of diapers and incontinence material. This plan provides recyclers and licensing authorities with tools to carry out a risk assessment.

A stronger focus on safety, health and sustainability is needed in designing circular products. When basic resources are re-used in new products, health risks should be avoided.

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

Construction and demolition waste are being recycled on a large scale to use as a foundation for e.g. roads, but recycled building materials are hardly ever used in the construction of buildings.

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

The Montreal Protocol has not only served to protect the ozone layer, it also has provided a certain degree of climate protection.