Weekly update: Netherlands counts over 200,000 positive tests in one week

The RIVM has released its weekly coronavirus figures from January 4 to January 11 — and they aren’t looking good.

Over the past week, the RIVM has reported 201,536 new infections in the Netherlands. This is a huge increase compared to last week’s report of 113,554 infections.

The percentage of positive tests has also gone up slightly, rising to 32,4% compared to 30.8% from the week before.

In an unusual turn of events, the RIVM has spoken with the NOS on these numbers — an act that speaks to the gravity of the situation. “We have never seen such large numbers in a week,” a spokesperson tells the NOS.

Deaths

The number of patients who have died from coronavirus-related complications has decreased compared to the past week. This week, 116 people passed away, compared to 189 people the previous week.

Hospitalisations

The number of admissions to the nursing ward and the ICU have continued to decrease. The past week saw 730 new admissions to the nursing ward and 143 new patients in the ICU. The week before, there were 817 patients and 164 patients respectively.

Young people responsible for nearly half of infections

The virus has been burning its way through young people with the age group of 15-29 being responsible for almost half of infections.

However, if the virus has a firm favourite at the moment, it’s for those between the ages of 20 and 24. This age category has seen a tripling in the number of infections this week.

Netherlands records highest ever daily infections

This week was a week of records, at least when it comes to coronavirus. On January 7, the RIVM recorded 34,954 coronavirus infections in one 24 hour period. This is the highest number of daily infections ever recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.

While the RIVM was quick to point out a system failure that may have meant the number was slightly lower, the institution still recorded that coronavirus infections had increased by 63% compared to the previous week. 😳

Medical grade facemasks from now on?

We may have to ditch our grandmother’s handmade facemasks. The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has advised that the Dutch cabinet should implement mandatory medical masks in the Netherlands. 😷

The masks would have to be at least Type II medical masks and should be worn in indoor public spaces. However, whether the cabinet will follow this advice, is another question.

No appointment? No problem

The GGD is aiming to increase the number of walk-in booster locations throughout the Netherlands. What does this mean? Simple, you don’t need an appointment, so you can find out where they’re offering walk-in boosters and join the queue.

These locations will be announced in the coming days. At the moment, walk-in locations can be found in Leeuwarden, Drachten, and Venray.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest coronavirus news and updates.

Feature Image: RadilaRadilova/Depositphotos

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

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