News | RIVM

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.

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.

Increase in gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses

The number of people who got themselves tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at a Sexual Health Centre (SHC) in 2019 has remained almost the same as in 2018.

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.