This is it then, our dearest reader. Almost two years ago, we’ve started these coronavirus weekly updates. Now it looks like life is returning back to normal in the Netherlands for the foreseeable future. 🥳
So, for the last time, here it goes.
Weekly numbers
The RIVM has reported its weekly coronavirus figures from March 22 to March 29. While the number of hospitalisations went down slightly, reported deaths increased these past seven days.
The RIVM has reported 222,366 new coronavirus infections in the Netherlands as of last week. This represents a stark drop compared to last week’s report of 313,318 infections.
The percentage of positive tests also went down slightly with 65.4% of people testing positive compared to 66.2% from the week before.
Deaths
The number of patients who have died from coronavirus-related complications went up slightly. This week, 104 people passed away compared to 95 people the previous week.
Hospitalisations
Both the number of admissions to the nursing ward and the number of admissions in the ICU decreased. The past week saw 1,353 new admissions to the nursing ward and 118 new patients in the ICU.
The previous week, there were 1,696 patients and 129 patients respectively.
Post-pandemic life in the Netherlands
Since last Wednesday, March 23, the Dutch government has officially said goodbye to the last remaining coronavirus restrictions. Since then, life has pretty much gone back to normal here in the Netherlands.
No more facemasks on public transport, no more 1G testing before large indoor events and no more travel restrictions for travellers to the lowlands.
Legally it is also no longer required to isolate anymore when testing positive for the coronavirus! However, it is obviously strongly advised that you quarantine anyway — to keep your friends, family and neighbours healthy and well. 🤝
Low number of ICU admissions
You’d think that with things heating up here in the Netherlands — huge parties, festivals and no more 1.5-metre distancing rule — coronavirus cases would go through the roof and the hospitals would struggle to keep up.
However, as NU.nl reports, this Monday the number of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has dropped to its lowest point since October 2021. 📉 This Monday, 135 patients have been recorded to require intensive care related to coronavirus symptoms.
With positive tests also following a downwards trend, it looks like we can finally take a breath this spring! After almost two years, it’s bitterly needed.
Dutch summer 2022 here we come! ☀️
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“ You don’t even have to isolate anymore when testing positive for the coronavirus!”
This statement is untrue and misleading. The quarantine period is 5 days and if symptom free for 24hrs then you can leave quarantine.
Hello Aaron,
We have made some changes to this sentence so it does not sound misleading. It is surprising but the Dutch government only advises its citizens to self-quarantine. It is no longer seen as a necessary measure to stay home after contracting the virus. Check out this link, which will refer you to the Dutch government website: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/tackling-new-coronavirus-in-the-netherlands/self-quarantine/self-quarantaining-or-self-isolating-due-to-coronavirus
Groetjes,
Dutch Review
Please, correct the sentence about the self quarantine. That statement is not true. You still have to self quarantine when tested positive.
Hello Weslley!
We appreciate your feedback and reformulated this sentence so it doesn’t sound misleading. We know it’s surprising but the Dutch government only advises its citizens to self-quarantine. It is no longer seen as a necessary measure to stay home after contracting the virus. Check out this link, which will refer you to the Dutch government website: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/tackling-new-coronavirus-in-the-netherlands/self-quarantine/self-quarantaining-or-self-isolating-due-to-coronavirus.
Hope it helps!
Dutch Review.