Time to get yourself a new hobby, at least for a short while. The Netherlands may be about to go into a short two-week lockdown.

According to the NOS, sources from the Dutch Outbreak Management Team (OMT), are claiming that a short lockdown period is unavoidable if the Dutch government wants to get ahead of drastically rising COVID-19 infections.

The sources claim that the OMT has advised a short period of “lockdown-like” measures to the cabinet. What would this look like? Much like a lockdown. Large scale events would be cancelled, the catering industry would introduce limits on group sizes and cinemas and theatres would close.

However, parents can breathe a sigh of relief, schools would remain open in this scenario.

Not set in stone

It’s important to remember that none of this is definite yet. This is merely the advice that the OMT has given — but whether the Dutch government will listen is another story.

This morning, ministers will meet with advisors in the Catshuis and a meeting with city mayors will take place tonight.

No more QR codes for the unvaccinated?

Both meetings are sure to be divisive with ministers discussing, among other things, whether or not the government should introduce a 2G rule in the Netherlands.

This would mean that those who are not vaccinated will no longer be able to receive a QR code with a negative test result. If this was to be implemented, controversy and conflict are almost certain as the division between the vaccinated and unvaccinated sides of the population will only grow.

Looks like the Dutch cabinet has a lot of important decisions to make in the next 24 hours. All will be revealed at tomorrow night’s press conference. 👀

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Research has found that 42% of Dutchies are flexitarians — people who sometimes eat meat but try to cut back and choose plant-based alternatives more often.

This research was carried out as part of the EU’s Smart Protein project. Of the 10 European countries surveyed, you guessed it — the Netherlands has the most flexitarians, the NOS reports.

Fewer omnivores, and fewer vegetarians

At 48% the Netherlands also had the fewest omnivores — people who often eat meat. Given this statistic, there were surprisingly few Dutch participants in the survey who indicated that they were vegetarian (5%) and vegan (2%). Clearly, the flexitarian lifestyle is king — we love balance! 👑

In contrast, Poland had the most omnivores at 68% — that’s a lot of meat! 🥩🍗 Meanwhile, Germany (10%) and the United Kingdom (9%) had the most people calling themselves vegetarian or vegan.

Soy latte anyone?

The research also showed that one in three Dutchies drinks a vegetable alternative to dairy milk, such as soy or oat milk at least weekly. 🥛 Meat substitutes appeared equally as popular with Dutchies. For us, the verdict is still out on vegan chicken though….

However, many Dutch people don’t eat meat and dairy substitutes because they find them too expensive. Dutchies also proved less willing than other Europeans to pay more for meat substitutes than for meat.

“If you still eat meat every day, you are in the minority”

Thijs Geijer, an economist at ING research studies meat consumption in the Netherlands. He tells the NOS that while “many people indicate that they want to eat less meat, actually doing so is sometimes difficult in practice.”

This is because of a lack of choice, especially in restaurants, the fact that many people think that meat and dairy substitutes don’t taste good enough, and because of resistance on the part of partners and family members. I definitely don’t think I could eat a cauliflower steak while my partner ate sirloin. 🍴🥩

Despite this, flexitarianism is well established in the Netherlands, with Pablo Moleman of ProVeg saying that “If you still eat meat every day, you are in the minority.”

Better for the environment 🌎

The production of meat and dairy generally releases more C02 than the production of plant-based foods. As a result, the European Commission is trying to encourage people to eat more plant-based foods and less meat.

READ MORE | Dutch ministry omits advice to eat less meat from its sustainability campaign

What are your thoughts on the number of flexitarians in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

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Infections are soaring and hospitals are pretty much at capacity. Dutch virologists have outlined some options to help the Netherlands contain the coronavirus in the coming weeks and months.

The Netherlands has been recording well over 10,000 infections each day for the past several days — niet goed (not good)!

While hospital admissions are much lower than in previous waves — proof that vaccination has been effective — virologists are preparing for new measures to ensure that the virus doesn’t get further out of control, RTL Nieuws reports.

What is the solution?

Professor of microbiology, Bert Niesters says that the solution is in our behaviour — currently, he thinks that too much is going wrong. For example, that QR codes aren’t being checked.

He also emphasized the importance of working from home, travelling as little as possible, and most important of all: getting tested if you have complaints. Take one (a corona test) for the team!

“Something heavier is coming”

Virologist Gorben Pijlman expects that even stricter measures are on their way. He says that “the effect of the measures that came into effect last weekend cannot be seen at all.” He adds that “Last week’s press conference seems to have been more of a preparation that something heavier is coming.” — So Game of Thronesy. 😳

OMT advice: measures instead of a lockdown

The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has already recommended new advice to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. This advice involves “aggravating measures to broadly limit contacts” — basically, interrupting the spread of the virus. The OMT  has already advised the cabinet to “make the necessary preparations now.”

Drastic measures

Closing bars and other venues at 10 PM has been proposed in order to limit the spread of the virus — but this suggestion has faced criticism because everyone loves an afterparty. 🎉

Other proposed measures include the reintroduction of a fixed seating obligation and the 1.5-meter distance. Wat jammer (what a shame)! The closure of all non-essential sectors could also be on the cards.

The OMT is also discussing more drastic measures specifically for unvaccinated people, such as “broadening the use of the coronavirus admission ticket” in contact professions, retail, and some public spaces. 💇🏻‍♂️🛍

Introduction of 2G measures

Virologists are also discussing the possible introduction of 2G measures, similar to those that have been introduced in Germany. This would mean that people who do not have a vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test would no longer be permitted in certain places, like restaurants.

A different situation to last winter

Despite this new spike in infections and hospital admissions, health minister Hugo de Jonge has said that this winter will be different to last winter and that the peak will not be as high. 🤞

What are your thoughts on these possible new measures? Tell us in the comments below!

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