Positive tests for coronavirus infections continue to climb at a shocking rate. As of 10:00 this morning, 23,066new cases were reported to the RIVM in the past 24 hours.
This is the second-highest number in the Netherlands since the pandemic first broke out — reports the NOS.
The average number of positive tests is increasing drastically. In just the past week, an average of 21,599 positive infections per day was recorded — a 49% increase from two weeks ago. 🙃
ICU admissions and deaths
2,430 patients have been admitted to the hospital, 470 of whom are in the ICU. The number of deaths has also seen an increase.
In the past 24 hours, 29 patients were reported to the RIVM to have died from coronavirus complications.
Extra measures likely
The outgoing cabinet is advising people to adhere to the measures to reduce the high infection rate. On December 3, the government will decide whether extra measures will be introduced.
Depending on whether people adhere to the measures or not, it’s possible that these extra measures could be brought into effect before December 3.
“A change is needed,” said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
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When one thinks of street art, graffiti images on walls or random sculptures along walkways most readily come to mind. Rarely does this concept bring to mind mosaics, mini-sculptures or intricate ceramics. The ‘Ceramic Map of Delft’ (‘Keramieken Kaart van Delft’), however, can wholeheartedly be classified as emblematic of urban beautification.
Even more exhilarating than seeking out this artwork (which every Delft visitor should do!) is perhaps stumbling upon it by chance.
A Golden Age map
Crafted by volunteers and skilled artisans, the artwork covers a 18m2 wall on which a map has been made of ceramic houses, trees, bridges, mills, street names and buildings. The mosaic finish and 3D effect are both informative and interactive.
Adding to the attraction of this 3-D map is the fact that it was completed during the worldwide pandemic. This observation is yet another testament to the ability of art to inspire awe during uncertainty and turbulence.
Awards and unveilings
The Ceramic Map of Delft was officially and festively unveiled on June 26, 2020, by Delft mayor Marja van Bijsterveld. The map is a replica of one from around 1700 and imitates those by Johan Blaeu and Janssonius (circa 1649). In May 2021, it was announced that the ‘Keramieken Kaart van Delft’ had won the Le Comte Prize 2020 from Delfia Batavorum.
The mosaic consists of teeny tiny buildings. Image: Kathryn van den Berg/Supplied
Although formal awards and recognition are justly deserved and recognise the beauty of this project, standing in front of the map stirs up the type of excitement and admiration that reflects the artwork’s magic more than any award could.
A community undertaking
Celebrated as a vibrant mosaic artist who has decorated Delft since 2008, Nan Deardorff-McClain is best known for breathing colour onto ordinary Delft walls. Artist Colja de Roo and Deardorff-McClain are the architects of this mosaic on Papenstraat in Delft.
Although both artists guided the process, the ‘Keramieken Kaart van Delft’ was an ambitious community project undertaken by the people of Delft in various workshops throughout the area. It is fitting that this depiction of Delft’s history was crafted by a community of devoted Delft volunteers.
Accuracy and challenges
Even though the making, firing and glazing of the ceramics, inlay and grouting was a lengthy process, it was made with enthusiasm by Delft’s people. What was possibly most challenging to achieve was that every house, tree and part had to be glued separately according to the street plan and in the right place. The result is a combination of scale effect and recognisability of specific buildings and neighbourhoods.
Check out these tiny roofs. Image: Kathryn van den Berg/Supplied
How the piece was constructed
The steps involved in making the map of Delft included sampling ceramic houses, doing weather resistance tests and glaze tests for the right colour palette. A map prototype was also made by Nan Deardorff McClain and Colja de Roo, which was 1m2.
Besides the physical labour going into this project, Public Relations had to be managed during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Subsidiary applications and financial planning were also undertaken to make this idea a reality. Workshops had to be organised and offered to make clay houses along with the glazing and baking process.
Sponsors and participants
The project’s crowdfunding campaign was successful thanks to independent donors from Delft and beyond, along with aid from The Samen Delft Foundation. These participants’ financial help reflects the wealth of character and community that Delft residents have been known for throughout history.
And breathe in the piece in all its glory! Image: Kathryn van den Berg/Supplied.
An interactive artwork
Stories, symbols and clues can be discovered on every small part of the artwork. In addition to creating art that one can look at and explore for hours, the artists also came up with activities to engage people who perhaps have not seen the map up close (or for those who have and just can’t get enough of it!).
Every week, The Facebook Page ‘Keramieken Kaart van Delft’ posts stories and clues about one of the hidden gems on the map.
Have you seen this majestic piece of work? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Several Dutch cities have seen anger and violence from rioters riled up by the current coronavirus measures, including the latest ban on NYE fireworks.
The situation in those cities was described as “restless” for the third night in a row according to the NOS. Major destruction was caused, resulting in an emergency order to be placed in many cities — which gives the police more flexibility to take immediate action.
Rotterdam
The most intense action happened in Rotterdam last Friday. So far, 49 arrests have been made so far, and these suspects are being held in police custody on the basis of open violence, vandalism, and hindering or attacking aid workers.
Max Daniel of the National Police says that they’re shocked by the number of minors among the rioters arrested in Rotterdam from all over the country — half of those detained yesterday are reported to be underaged.
Police and protestors clashed
The clashes between rioters and police resulted in a large number of police officers suffering from minor injuries and hearing damage due to attacks with stones and fireworks.
Further, the total number of people suffering from gunshot wounds by police bullets is four according to RTL Nieuws.
There are currently 20 detectives deployed in a Large-Scale Investigation Team (TGO) crackdown to arrest as many rioters as quickly as possible.
Witnesses of the rampage and people of Rotterdam took down to Twitter to react in anger and disappointment over the violence witnessed by the city.
Hulpdiensten aanvallen, de stad molesteren. Een klap in het gezicht van iedereen die dag in dag uit keihard werkt om het beste voor Rotterdam en Rotterdammers te bewerkstelligen. Ambtenaren, hulpdiensten, welzijnswerkers, you name it. Het rellend tuig moet zich kapot schamen
The disturbance in Leeuwarden took another form. ⚽ Where the Eredivisie game between SC Cambuur and FC Utrecht had to be paused twice by the referee, with both teams remaining on standby, due to fireworks being thrown towards the field and intruders barging into the Cambuur stadium.
The ongoing football season has already gone through a number of riots and disturbances. Currently, the Minister of Justice and Security Ferd Grapperhaus is looking into solutions to combat these disruptions.
The northern city sadly witnessed the use of heavy fireworks and arrests last night, all of which prompted Groningen city mayor Koen Schuiling to issue an emergency order for the city’s centre and its surroundings.
A police bus shelter was destroyed along with several shop windows in the centre. Additionally, bus operations were halted on and around Grote Markt for the remainder of the evening.
Enschede, Roosendaal, and Limburg
Enschede also had an emergency order in place as of 8:30 PM last night, but arrests were reported over incitement and public violence. A group of five young people was placed in custody after gathering in the city centre in response to a call on social media to riot.
In Limburg, after a night of heavy fireworks attacks, the police arrested five people over possession of narcotics, failure to show identification, and assault.
Things were not much calmer in Roosendaal yesterday. The police reported several incidents including arson in a primary school, the use of heavy fireworks, setting a car on fire.
15 people were arrested in Roosendaal and the Langdonk district was temporarily closed to prevent more people from joining rioters.
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If any international in the Netherlands has experienced a (rare and fleeting) feeling of inferiority while here, it’s likely because they heard a Dutch person speaking English.
To clarify, they heard a Dutch person speaking English so well that they could be mistaken for a native speaker who also just arrived in the country.
And you’d be right in feeling this strange mix of awe and self-doubt (no offence). Why? Because according to the 2021 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), the Dutch are the best non-native English speakers in the world — and for the third year in a row! 🇳🇱
The best of 112 countries
We’re not just talking about a small survey consisting of 10 non-native English speakers, one of which being a Dutch person with the very appealing bribe of a warm and gooey stroopwaffel.
Nee, this survey measured the English language skills of two million people across a whopping 112 countries! 🌏
Using a points system to calculate the English skills of the different countries, the EF EPI awarded the Netherlands with 663 points (11 points higher than last year), placing them in the number one position with a level of “very high proficiency.”
Amsterdam ranked as having the best non-native English speakers
The Netherlands has won the crown for not only being the best non-native English-speaking country but also for having the best non-native English-speaking city in the world. 💪
Yep, Amsterdam has been ranked the best non-native English-speaking city — and are we really surprised given how much of a hub it is for internationals?
What other countries are great at speaking English?
Of course, while we at DutchReview are delighted to hear that the Dutch have won this round once again, some of you may be curious to know what other countries ranked highly.
Let’s lay out the results! The following countries were ranked as having “very high proficiency” in speaking English as a non-native language:
EF EPI 2021 Ranking
Country
01
Netherlands
02
Austria
03
Denmark
04
Singapore
05
Norway
06
Belgium
07
Portugal
08
Sweden
09
Finland
10
Croatia
11
Germany
12
South Africa
13
Luxembourg
Did your country rank on the list? Tell us your thoughts on these findings in the comments below!
Yep, you read that right. Some Nederlanders are getting COVID-19 on purpose by attending “contamination parties” which uh…we don’t really get. 😐
According to the NOS, certain groups of people are intentionally getting themselves sick to receive a recovery certificate which will allow them entry into public venues for a year.
Meaning that some people would much rather go to the trouble of actually getting COVID-19 than getting the free vaccine. 🤦
Contamination parties
“Contamination parties” were being hosted on websites like jaikwilcorona.com, where people could meet each other to get infected with the virus.
The site was taken down by the host company (thank God) and — in a power-move by the Dutch government — if you type in the link you get re-directed to the Dutch government’s page for making a vaccination appointment.
However, this isn’t the only tactic people are resorting to. Others will simply meet up with someone they know who has the virus in order to kiss them or drink out of their glass — ew! 🤢
According to Bas van den Putte, Professor of Health Communication at the University of Amsterdam, people aren’t always going to agree with what the government wants and will look for “shortcuts.”
“A slap in the face”
“It is a slap in the face for everyone who has been committed to fighting the pandemic for more than a year and a half,” said Inspector General Marina Eckenhausen of the Health and Youth Inspectorate.
Health Minister Hugo de Jonge also disapproves of the intentional infections and says that the Inspectorate is considering what actions to take against this.
“We will use every opportunity and legal means to do something about this,” said de Jonge.
What do you think of people in the Netherlands giving themselves COVID-19 on purpose? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
A violent protest against the proposed coronavirus 2G measures last night in Rotterdam resulting in police officers firing shots at protestors.
The unauthorised protest took place at the Coolsingel, with scooters, cars, and even a police vehicle being set on fire. Heavy fireworks were also set off and protestors were throwing items at the police, reports the NOS.
This protest comes in light of the government proposing that people who are unvaccinated (not including those for medical reasons) would not be allowed to obtain a valid QR code to enter public venues and spaces.
Op vrijdagavond zijn er in #Rotterdam rellen uitgebroken na een demonstratie tegen de coronamaatregelen. Vooral op de Coolsingel was het erg onrustig. Er vielen gewonden en de politie verrichte meerdere arrestaties. 🧐😷☠️
At least seven people are known to be injured, both on the side of the protestors and the police. A journalist was also known to have been injured by protestors.
Eight platoons of riot squads and 400 police officers were called in for the protest.
At least 20 people were arrested, with more expecting to also be put away. “Good images have been made of many suspects,” said the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb.
The mayor also referred to the unauthorized protest as “an orgy of violence.”
Will there be more riots?
Planned demonstrations will take place in Amsterdam and Breda today — but they’re organised and approved by the municipality. The march in Amsterdam is expected to have thousands of participants attending.
Following in last year’s footsteps, municipalities and the mayors formally request a countrywide ban on the sale and use of fireworks from the Dutch government for this year.Today it’s clear that the outgoing Dutch cabinet is also on board with a fireworks ban.
Citing the current pressure on hospitals due to the skyrocketing coronavirus cases, the Association of Dutch Municipalities and the mayors of the Security Council believe that any fireworks injuries will only add to this existing messy situation.
The NOS reports that even with last year’s ban, the number of total injuries rose to 108 recorded by hospitals in addition to 275 injuries reported by general practitioners. The national average number of injuries from other years exceeded a thousand. 🤯
Several Dutch cities already had a local fireworks ban in place, such as Amsterdam, and other Dutch cities such as Rotterdam were cancelling their organized fireworks shows in order not to promote people huddling up, enjoying the show and coughing carelessly at each other at midnight.
Above and beyond
Looking at last year’s history, the ban may not be as effective as the government hopes for it to be as people went above and beyond in acquiring, using, and even storing illegal fireworks — like when the police seized 13,145 kilos of illegal fireworks in one dark 2020.
What do you think of this latest ban on fireworks across the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!
We hope you have your winter boots! Next week, the weather in the Netherlands is expected to get much colder with a chance of SNOW, says weatherman Marsel Blok of Weerplaza. ❄️
We can expect this little winter wonderland moment towards the end of next week. The beginning of the week is expected to still be dry, although possibly freezing at night. 🤗
A dusting of sneeuw
Don’t get too excited, though — if it does snow, it will only be a thin layer, and then it’s gone again. This is because the temperatures are expected to reach above freezing point during the day, according to Nu.nl. 🌨
While we won’t be making snow angels just yet, we can expect a bigger layer of snow if it snows at night or if the shower is more intensive than usual — says Blok.
What do you think about the potential snow shower? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Do you sometimes have the feeling you’re being watched? 👀 If you live in Rotterdam, that may very well be the case. The municipality used two camera cars to check whether people were keeping social distance during the lockdown last year,reports NU.nl.
The cars would film faces and license plates using a 360 degrees camera. The captured images were then sent on to a central point and monitored by municipal officers — very Big Brother-y.
Oh, and not to mention, illegal.
Reports passed on to split up group
Although this took place during the time when groups of more than three people were forbidden in public spaces, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has ruled that the municipality violated peoples’ privacy.
At the central point, municipal officers would decide whether to send BOAs or police officers to the places where groups had congregated. The cars especially patrolled parks and squares and, based on the reports from the cars, officers would be sent there with the explicit purpose of splitting up the filmed groups of people.
In total, 75 reports were passed on from the two camera cars during April and May 2020.
Unknown whether the municipality will be reprimanded
The AP supervisor can decide to fine the municipality of Rotterdam for the violation of privacy. However, it’s not certain whether this will happen. 🙃
In any case, the AP wants to release its report on the camera cars in Rotterdam so that other municipalities can receive more clarity on the rules surrounding the use of these cars. Though his spokesperson denies it, it’s said that the mayor of Rotterdam is trying to prevent the publication of the report.
What do you think of this violation by the city of Rotterdam? Tell us in the comments below!
The Netherlands has seen a sharp rise in the number of babies born this year. In the first nine months of 2021, 6,800 more babies were born than in the same period last year.
This is the highest number of births since 2011, RTL Nieuws reports. We know what you’re thinking, “corona babies”…. 🤫
More Dutch babies than German and French
Figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics suggest that the Netherlands is unique in this elevated birthrate. In many other European countries, the number of births has not increased as quickly.
A record number of births
According to researchers, birthrates have seen “a downward trend since the turn of the century, but now the number of births is clearly increasing.” The result is a record ten-year high in the number of births.
According to statisticians, if this trend continues, 180,000 children will be born this year.
“Jelle, Tess, you’re going to have a new little brother or sister.” 👶 🍼
Not only has 2021 seen an increase in first-time parents, but there have also been more second and third children born this year than usual.
Proportionally speaking, the increase in births has been highest in the category of third children. Clearly, the lockdown gave people time to reevaluate their circumstances and priorities. Or maybe there was just nothing else to do….
