News | RIVM

Omicron causes 35% increase in positive COVID-19 tests, despite lockdown

In the past week*, the number of reported positive COVID-19 tests increased by 35% compared to the week before that. The number of people tested by the GGD was about the same.

Vaccination and previous infection provide less effective protection against infection with Omicron variant

Dutch research results published today show that the protection offered by vaccination or previous infection is less effective in preventing infection with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 than infection with the Delta variant.

Omicron advancing rapidly in the Netherlands

Infections involving the Omicron variant are still in the minority for now, but are increasing rapidly.

Vaccine-induced protection against an infection with the Delta variant of the coronavirus

Vaccination offers more than 80% protection against an infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 among people under 70 years old who are tested due to symptoms.

Twee mannen vullen gezondheidsverklaring in bij GGD

The Netherlands almost meets EU air quality limit values in 2020

For the first time since the start of the NSL (2009), the Netherlands complies with the European limit values for nitrogen dioxide along traffic roads. The Netherlands almost met the limit values for particulate matter (PM10) in 2020.

Impact of ventilation on aerogenic transmission of the coronavirus

RIVM has calculated the impact of different ventilation rates on the number of people who become ill due to aerogenic transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in indoor spaces.

Man opent raam in kantoor om te ventileren

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

Healthcare utilisation increases with Long COVID symptoms

More than 15,000 people are taking part in the LongCOVID study conducted by RIVM. Participants with existing long-term symptoms after COVID-19 (Long COVID) reported higher healthcare utilisation.

Awareness and use of cigarillos, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches relatively low

The awareness and use of cigarillos, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches is relatively low. This is apparent from research by RIVM among Dutch people aged 13 and older, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.