The RIVM has released its weekly coronavirus figures from July 13 to July 20. The number of infections has risen exponentially compared to the previous week. Health Minister Hugo de Jonge predicts that the Netherlands will become a dark red country on the EU map.
Over the past week, the RIVM reported 69,731 new infections in the Netherlands. This is an increase compared to the previous week’s number of 51,957 new infections. The percentage of positive tests rose to 14.1% compared to 13.4% the week before.
Deaths
The number of patients who have died from COVID-19-related complications has gone up slightly. This week 14 people passed away, compared to 11 people the previous week.
Hospitalisations
Hospitalisations, as well as the number of admissions to the ICU, have also increased. The past week saw 205 new admissions to the nursing ward and 31 new patients in the ICU. The week before, there were 85 and 12, respectively.
The Netherlands to turn dark red
Last week, the ECDC labelled the Netherlands as red on their map of high-risk countries. This was due to the high number of coronavirus cases, reaching over 300 infections for every 100,000 inhabitants.
In a press conference last night, De Jonge predicted that when the ECDC updates the map on Thursday, the country will move to the severest colour code — dark red. This is when there are more than 500 infections per 100,000 inhabitants. This change in colour code could mean tighter restrictions on travellers coming from the Netherlands.
Before this announcement, several travel companies had cancelled holidays to the Balearic and Canary Islands. This was in anticipation of the Spanish islands being labelled code orange.
Restaurants close due to staffing issues
This has been a tough time for the service industry, and it’s not getting any easier. Many cafes and restaurants in the Netherlands have been forced to close their doors due to a lack of staff. The HORECA industry has been hit hard by coronavirus, many workers being infected or having to quarantine after being in contact with someone who has tested positive.
Second vaccination without an appointment?
This weekend, word spread on social media that you could hop over the GGD for a second jab for a walk-in appointment. It turns out this was a misunderstanding. After queues formed at a number of vaccination sites across the Netherlands, the GGD confirmed that it was only possible to get your first jab without an appointment.
The good news is that you now only have to wait four weeks between your first and second shot, rather than five.
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