In 2021, the incidence of enteric infections – which mainly cause gastrointestinal symptoms – was higher than in 2020, but still lower than before the coronavirus pandemic. This is the outcome of a study into enteric infections and pathogens transmitted from animals to humans.

The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) has published its report ‘Approach to the COVID-19 crisis - Part 2: September 2020 to July 2021’. The report also includes a recommendation for RIVM. 

The upward trend in COVID-19 figures continues to rise in the Netherlands. The increase is visible in all areas. The number of nursing home residents who tested positive for COVID-19 rose by 23% last week. Hospitals are also admitting more and more people due to COVID-19.

Infections with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are continuing to increase in the Netherlands. More and more people with COVID-19 are turning up in the test lanes of the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs), in nursing homes and in hospitals.

Even after a period without any coronavirus measures, the number of young people (aged 12-25 years) with serious suicidal thoughts remains high (16%). After nearly doubling in the last lockdown period (from 9% in autumn 2021 to 17% between December 2021 and February 2022), there has been almost no reduction in this percentage.

It is not yet clear whether air cleaners that can be moved around actually help to reduce transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. These findings are from a literature review conducted by RIVM.

Some vulnerable groups in society have been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than less vulnerable groups. These include young people (up to 24 years) who have physical or mental problems or come from low-income families.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused over 305,000 operations to be postponed in 2020 and 2021 in the Netherlands.