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No ‘afspraak’? No problem! More walk-in booster shots to start next week

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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No ‘afspraak’? No problem! More walk-in booster shots to start next week

Good news! Starting next week, you can get your third coronavirus vaccine at even more GGD (Public Health Service) locations without making an appointment first. 💉

The GGD will announce the exact locations in the upcoming days, RTL Nieuws reports. For now, this is already possible in the Dutch cities Leeuwarden, Drachten and Venray.

The supply of vaccinations has increased, meaning that now there is more space for people to just drop by spontaneously, and get their third jab.

Already made an appointment?

If you’ve already made an official appointment by registering through the GGD website, but you would like to take the no-fuss road and just show up — geen probleem!

Just tell the lovely man or woman that is about to register you on sight and they will automatically take the appointment out of the system for you.

How many Dutchies are vaccinated?

At the moment, about 7.4 million Dutchies have received two vaccinations and 4.5 million more have received a booster. That makes a total of 11.9 million Nederlanders that are (for now) considered ‘fully-vaxed’.

To increase vaccine roll-out, the Dutch government has promised everyone in the Netherlands the possibility to get that third jab by the end of January. As of this week, anyone who is 18 years or older can make an appointment to get bolstered.

What are your thoughts on the booster roll-out? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: DragonImages/Depositphotos

Most popular baby names in the Netherlands in 2021: did the predictions hold up?

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Most popular baby names in the Netherlands in 2021: did the predictions hold up?

Last year, our friends at 24baby shared their expectations for the trends in baby names in the Netherlands for 2021. Was your name on that list? Or perhaps your future baby’s name?

Well, now that we’re a week into the new year, let’s use the benefit of hindsight and check which names actually came out at the top of 2021.

According to the NOS, 177,473 babies were delivered in the Netherlands up to and including November 2021. So, what were they called?

Out of 86,530 girls born in the Netherlands in 2021, 753 were called Julia. Coming in at a close second is Mila, with 696 newborn girls receiving the name this year — How schattig! 😍 Here are the remaining top eight:

  • Emma
  • Nora
  • Olivia
  • Sophie
  • Tess
  • Milou
  • Zoë
  • Yara

Now, turning our attention to the gentlemen: Out of 90,948 baby boys born this year, 945 little Noah’s have received the most popular Dutch baby name of 2021!

Second place goes to Lucas, used 734 times. And here are the remaining eight toppers:

  • Sem
  • Daan
  • Levi
  • Liam
  • James
  • Finn
  • Luca
  • Milan

Did they get it right?

Last year, 24baby made some predictions regarding the most popular baby names of 2021. Did they get some right?

Well, yes and no. One prediction, which definitely holds up, said the Dutch love their short (and sweet), one or two-syllable baby names: Em-ma, No-ra or Sem, Daan and Le-vi all follow this exact pattern.

Overall, 24baby got seven out of ten predicted girl names right, including Julia, Emma, Nora and Sophie. 🎉 For boys names, six were guessed correctly, including Sem, Lucas, Daan and Levi.

International influences

Another prediction was that Frisian names would become more popular in 2021. We don’t really see this trend reflected in this year’s favourites, but we have high hopes for 2022. Go, Jurre, Benthe and Doutzen!

Instead, it looks like the Dutch went with the international mainstream this year. Name expert Gerrit Bloothooft from Utrecht University tells the NOS: “For girls, Emma, Julia, and Sophie have been popular for over ten years. These are international names, just like Mila and the fast-rising Olivia.”

According to Bloothoft, it takes a good 25 years — an entire generation — for completely new baby names to show up on the list. What will the sons and daughters of today’s Noah’s and Julia’s be called? 🤔

Would you have picked a name from this list? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Jenmax/Depositphotos

Dutch retail suffers more than two billion euros in losses due to lockdown

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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Dutch retail suffers more than two billion euros in losses due to lockdown

The “click and collect” options for non-essential shops in the Netherlands are not sufficient to steer businesses away from this large sum — so the cabinet is urged to take quick action.

The Dutch industry organization INretail calculated estimated losses after almost three weeks of lockdown and the numbers are catastrophic (with nine zeros), to say the least.

More than two BILLION euros are being looked at as the estimate of losses to shops and the retail industry since the country was put on lockdown mode on December 19, reports AD. 🤯

“The eager public likes to spend the euros in the Dutch retail sector, but is now letting it roll over the border,” comments INretail regarding the latest flocks of Dutch shoppers hitting Belgian markets.

Multilayerd issue

These losses are apparently not limited to shoppers not spending their money in the Dutch market. The restrictions also left a social impact on the economy as people can’t work in retail anymore.

“The sector employs almost 350,000 people. The entrepreneurs who have all these people on the payroll are extremely concerned about the future,” explains INretail.

Proposals

Currently, MBK-Nederland, the Council of Dutch Retail (RND) alongside INretail are all taking a stand in favour of relaxing the “too strict” of measures after January 14.

“We are already dealing with a billion-dollar noose, just calculate what the damage will be if the lockdown lasts even longer than mid-January. Please open those stores again. If necessary with the introduction of a QR check on arrival,” urges INretail director Jan Meerman.

Meanwhile, RND director Eus Peters plans to meet with the new Dutch cabinet next week to discuss possible conditions and solutions for the shops reopening.

What do you think of the organizations’ arguments in light of the economical losses? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Weigerwaardenberg/Pixabay

Starting tomorrow: no more test obligation to travel to England

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Starting tomorrow: no more test obligation to travel to England

Frequent travellers to England, pay attention📢 — starting tomorrow, vaccinated people travelling to England will not be obligated to take a coronavirus test to enter the country.

This decision was announced by the British government earlier today.

Current measures

At the moment, everyone over the age of 12 must submit a negative coronavirus test on arrival in England within 48 hours of testing. It is also mandatory to do a PCR test within two days of arrival. Until a traveller receives a negative test outcome, they must isolate.

This changes tomorrow for vaccinated travellers, who will no longer have to test before entering England. They will also be able to do a rapid test instead of a PCR test within two days of arrival. ⏳

The rules for unvaccinated travellers remain the same — they still have to get tested before entering the country, must do PCR tests on the second and eighth day after they arrive, and remain in quarantine for 10 days

Ineffective against coronavirus

Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially said the pre-travel coronavirus test was there to discourage people from travelling to England. Travel companies are saying otherwise, according to the NOS. 👀

They find the measures to test for coronavirus ineffective, considering the rapid spread of the omicron variant across England. 🦠

What does this mean for the Netherlands?

With the omicron variant on the horizon and the likely continuation of a hard lockdown in the Netherlands, the announcement comes as a surprise. 😯

It seems a little counterproductive, especially for Dutchies. With increasing infections, should more easygoing travel be encouraged? 🤔

What do you think of the relaxation of travel measures to England? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Feature Image: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Dutch man arrested for holding a torch in front of a minister’s house

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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Dutch man arrested for holding a torch in front of a minister’s house

A Dutch man was arrested in front of D66 leader Sigrid Kaag’s house for holding a torch and harassing the minister.

The man knocked on her door repeatedly and was shouting conspiracies. And because we’re in the age of smartphones and social media, he (of course) live-streamed the whole thing, reports the NOS. 🙄

The same individual was also arrested a month before at Health Minister Hugo de Jonge’s house. Extra security has been arranged since the end of December.

The Hague police are currently investigating the incident and a report has been filed.

And get this: the torch guy was discovered because people recognised him on his live stream and he was arrested almost immediately. 🤣

Other MPs are pissed

“Intimidating scum,” said D66 leader Rob Jetten, “How far should we let it go in the Netherlands.”

Another D66 member, Jan Paternotte, thinks that it’s “totally idiotic and enormously threatening. Whoever touches our ministers affects our democracy.”

Even the leader of the BoerBurgerBeweging (Farmer-Citizen Movement) wrote, “What sick minds to visit Sigrid Kaag and her family in this way.”

What do you think about the man holding a torch in front of Kaag’s house? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: SnappieJustita/Twitter

Majority of Dutch helpline callers are concerned about the booster shot

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Majority of Dutch helpline callers are concerned about the booster shot

Three times the charm — the Netherlands is picking up speed on its booster campaign, but some Dutchies have trouble keeping up.

At least that’s according to the operators of a Dutch telephone helpline, which answers people’s questions about coronavirus vaccinations.

Founder Robin Peeters from the Erasmus University Medical Centre (MC) tells NU.nl, that between 65-75% of about 3,500 weekly phone calls are questions about the booster shot.

This is what people are asking

Peeters says there are two types of callers. The first category of people is not really sure why there a third jab is necessary in the first place, as just a few weeks prior it was thought that two is enough.

“We try to explain then that the omicron variant has thrown a spanner in the works,” Peeter tells NU.nl.

The second kind of callers is concerned about the side effects of vaccinations. Maybe they’ve had bad experiences after the first two jabs, or there are serious concerns about underlying health issues.

In this case, Peeters says: “These people want to know if the vaccine is safe. We try to reassure them. If there are concerns about possible allergic reactions, we try to refer them to their GP.”

Getting a booster shot in the Netherlands

Since yesterday, everyone who is registered in the Netherlands and 18 years or older can register for a booster shot through the official government website.

Children above 11 years old with underlying health conditions putting them at a higher risk are also eligible.

According to Dutch Health Minister de Jonge, the goal is to offer everyone the third jab by the end of January.

What do you think about the hesitation surrounding booster shots in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: IgorVetushko/Depositphotos

The Netherlands ranked 11th most popular country for internationals

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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The Netherlands ranked 11th most popular country for internationals

We knew it! Spinning windmills, dreamy tulip fields, and historic canal houses make the ultimate recipe for success.

At least according to a new study by HSBC Expat, which surveyed over 46 countries and concluded that the Netherlands was the 11th most livable place for internationals in 2021. Next year we’ll make the top ten! 🏆

Third place in Europe

The Netherlands is definitely looking great compared to other European countries. Switzerland sets a good example, securing first place.

For other European competitors we have to look a little further:

  • Cyprus (12th place)
  • Spain (14th place)
  • Portugal (16th place)
  • Ireland (17th place)
  • Norway (18th)

Well, ‘A’ for effort Europe. Or…maybe not?

Who fared the worst?

Because, if you check out the very bottom of the list, there are two of our European friends having a shameful party of their own.

The top three worst countries for expats in 2021 were:

  • Turkey (46th place)
  • Italy (45th place)
  • United Kingdom (44th place)

There is definitely room for improvement, guys — but we believe in you! 🇪🇺

Expats are all winners

The most popular countries for expats were actually in the MENAT region. MENA stands for the ‘Middle East and North Africa and Turkey.’ Of those living there, 71% of expats said they would recommend the region for the quality of life.

In comparison, 42% of expats living in Europe would recommend living here to ‘expand the cultural horizon’. Whatever that means.

Overall, expats seem to be pretty content with living abroad. Four out of five said they will continue living in their host country for at least another year.

Additionally, 65% of survey respondents felt optimistic about the year ahead. Whoop, whoop 2022! 🎆

Living as an expat in the Netherlands

Our winner of hearts, of course, is the Netherlands. Looking to move to the country of weird wooden shoes and cheese?

In a study published by the Boston Consulting Group earlier this year, Amsterdam ranked as the second-best work destination for expats in the world! For the quality of life, The Hague and Rotterdam fare best in Internations world ranking.

The Dutch also consistently ranks as the world’s best non-native English speakers. What’s not to love?

What do you think? Bags packed and off to the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: DmitryRukhlenko/Depositphotos

A year-long festival: Leiden European City of Science 2022 has begun

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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0
A year-long festival: Leiden European City of Science 2022 has begun

Leiden has been crowned the European City of Science in 2022. And what does this mean? Starting in January, the city will host its very first, year-long science festival! 🧪

Each of the 365 days of the festival will have its own theme and a four-part programme will cover all sorts of science-y knowledge from the fundamentals to citizen science, reports European City of Science Leiden 2022 (translated by yours truly — DutchReview! 💁🏻)

So, what’s this festival all about?

Leiden European City of Science 2022 will be open to anyone who’s curious about science — the festival will offer a fun programme that explores a different scientific topic every day.

The festival invites local residents to participate in science and engage with their community and other world issues. 🗺

No worries if you have a busy schedule — the city’s calendar will be filled with conventions, workshops, conferences, and symposia to learn about how science can tackle the important questions of our day and age.🔬And for a whole year!

What’s happening throughout the year?

As part of the 10th edition of the scientific conference, Leiden will host the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) from July 13 to July 16, 2022. 🎉

But there’s more!

In September, young researchers will make their way to the city for the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), to boost the youths’ interest in science and technology. 👏 We love to see young scientists succeed.

To keep track of everything, the conference is offering free tear-off calendars, which showcases all of the daily themes. Regardless of the coronavirus, all activities and events are available to participate in online!

A neighbourhood initiative

The festival has also launched Knowledge Through the Neighbourhoods. This is an initiative where 101 neighbourhoods in Leiden and the surrounding area can organise their own event exploring one of the festival’s 365 interesting topics.

And with that, this festival is in full swing!

Will you be heading to Leiden2022 at some point this year? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! 🤔🧑‍🔬

Feature Image: Leiden COS2022/Supplied

Dutch government is freaking out over the spelling of “pannenkoek”

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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Dutch government is freaking out over the spelling of “pannenkoek”

Is it pannekoek or pannenkoek? That’s a question even native Dutch speakers are struggling to answer. The spelling of this word along with a few others has been causing a heated debate between Dutch ministers. 🥞

The Council of Ministers of the Netherlands have been arguing about a change in the Dutch spelling since 1996, according to the NOS.

This particular change involves the new rule on tussenklanken, which are sounds that occur in between parts of a word or in between compound words.

For instance, the Dutch words station (station) and gebouw (building) put together gives you stationsgebouw with an ‘s’ in between the words.

With this rule, pannekoek becomes pannenkoek with an ‘n’ in between — and this doesn’t sit well with some ministers. 🍵

“Bastard words”

The former Minister for Development Cooperation, Jan Pronk, for example, was not having it with the new rule. He was hesitant about allowing “bastard words” AKA words adopted from another language to be written in this new spelling.

“The language user will have to memorize the illogical and difficult to comprehend rules and the exceptions thereto, while the old system could be explained to every child,” he once said. 😱

New rule stays

Although several ministers like Pronk are really against the introduction of the new rule on tussenklanken, it’s a bit too late. The Dutch Language Union has already adopted the new spelling and Flanders has already introduced it into their language.

Sorry, ministers, it’s officially pannenkoek now not pannekoek!

What do you think about the spelling of pancake? Is it pannekoek or pannenkoek? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Image: makasanaphoto/Depositphotos

QR codes to enter stores? Dutch retail willing to implement this and more

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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32
QR codes to enter stores? Dutch retail willing to implement this and more

With rumours circulating that the hard lockdown will not lift on January 14, non-essential stores are pleading to open their doors — and they’ll implement any measure if it means they can.

Brand collective INretail tells nu.nl, that their associates are willing to do whatever is necessary — checking for proof of vaccination, making masks mandatory inside or only allowing a limited number of customers per square metre — if it means they can reopen.

End of lockdown uncertain

This is a change of heart from just two months prior when INretail said a mask mandate would be “unaffordable, non-enforceable and unworkable.”

But with the Netherlands sitting steadily in a hard lockdown for almost a month now, non-essential stores are struggling.

Up until new measures are announced next week, it is uncertain whether or not the hard lockdown will be lifted.

Would you whip out your QR-code for a quick shopping spree? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: PhotographerFromAmsterdam/Depositphotos

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