News | RIVM

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.

Gap between intention and behaviour in staying home and testing for COVID-19

The Dutch policy of staying home and getting tested if you have corona-related symptoms can count on support from the majority of the over 50,000 participants in RIVM’s behavioural study.

Many people willing to isolate at home in case of positive COVID-19 test

The sense of threatening danger from the novel coronavirus is declining. People are feeling less anxious and despondent than in the initial phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

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.

A decrease in the number of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands

In 2019, the number of people with tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands decreased to 759. This is 5 per cent less than in 2018, when 797 were reported.

Slightly more tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands

The key figures of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) show that in 2018 there were 806 TB patients in the Netherlands. This is 3 percent more than in 2017 (784).

Strong decline of tuberculosis in the Netherlands

The number of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Netherlands decreased considerably in 2017. From 887 patients in 2016 to 787 in 2017.