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The Netherlands falls short on vaccines promised to developing countries

Jen Lorimer 🇿🇼
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The Netherlands falls short on vaccines promised to developing countries

The Netherlands has fallen far short of its promise to donate 27 million vaccines to developing countries. So far only 2.15 million vaccines have been donated — angering aid organisations.

In early October, the Ministry of Health announced their new policy to donate one shot to developing countries for every vaccine administered in the Netherlands. 💉

In line with this policy, the Netherlands was due to donate more than 27 million vaccines — 21 million through the United Nations vaccine program COVAX, and 6 million independently.

However, RTL Nieuws reports that at this point only 2.15 million shots have been donated, meaning the Netherlands is nowhere near what they promised — disappointing.

COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access) is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The goal of the COVAX program is to vaccinate 20% of the population in 92 low and middle-income countries. Before the end of the year, these countries were due to receive 1.7 billion vaccines.

De Jonge blames COVAX

In early September, the Minister of Health, Hugo de Jonge wrote in a letter to parliament that donating to COVAX has been complicated in part because the organisation only accepts shots that come directly from the factory.

However, the ministry has promised that they still want to donate 27 million vaccines this year — but this will require a lot of catching up in just three months.

The Netherlands is still entitled to more than 20 million vaccines this year. If these are delivered as promised, they will largely be delivered directly to COVAX. 💪

Problems with last-minute deliveries

Obviously, we all want the Netherlands to be true to its word, but there’s a potential problem in-store with numerous countries scrambling at the last minute to make their deliveries.

If everything arrives in bulk at the last minute, this can overwhelm and cause distribution problems for UNICEF (who distribute on behalf of COVAX), leading to vaccines going to waste.

What are your thoughts on the Netherlands failing to deliver on the promise of donating vaccines to developing countries? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Chalabala/Depositphotos

Geen probleem: no current concerns about new coronavirus variant in the Netherlands

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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Geen probleem: no current concerns about new coronavirus variant in the Netherlands

Delta Plus, a new mutation of the delta variant of coronavirus, has been doing the rounds in the Netherlands — but the RIVM doesn’t see a threat yet.

Circulating since mid-August, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported that the share of this sub mutation in the total number of coronavirus infections has been 0.1% to 0.2% — meaning it’s not a reason for concern. Goed news 🙌

According to Nu.nl, an RIVM spokesperson noted that “the percentage of it has remained stable,” making it difficult to say whether this mutation is more contagious or resistant against vaccines.

However, since the percentage of the subvariant is hardly increasing, the RIVM is confident that it is not a highly contagious strain, the NOS reports.

If that’s not enough to put your mind at rest, the variant has not yet been designated by the WHO as a variant of concern either. 🤞

Across the pond

As the RIVM continues to monitor the AY.4.2 variant (i.e Delta plus) in the Netherlands, the new sub-variant is causing trouble for our neighbours in the United Kingdom, with suspicions that it may be responsible for a sharp increase in their numbers of new infections.

According to Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans, this variant is not a current game-changer as it follows a similar pattern of how the delta variant surpassed the alpha variant.

However, “we have to take this into account for our approach to the virus in the winter,” warns Koopmans. Stay safe guys!

What do you think of the latest development of coronavirus warnings in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Vaccinated, but no BSN? The Dutch government is exploring solutions

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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Vaccinated, but no BSN? The Dutch government is exploring solutions

Internationally vaccinated individuals from outside the EU have been struggling to obtain a valid coronavirus admission ticket in the Netherlands, but the Dutch government is promising some solutions.

It’s currently mandatory to show a coronavirus ticket for entry to many indoor venues in the Netherlands, but people vaccinated outside the EU are struggling to obtain a valid QR code since as this requires being registered at a Dutch municipality, with a citizen service number (BSN), and a trip to a GGD location in Utrecht to register your certificate. Lots of jumping through hoops, basically. ⭕

All these complications have led to a parliamentary discussion regarding quarantine requirements and foreign vaccination certificates, especially for international students. The Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge has acknowledged this matter as a pressing issue to many groups in the Netherlands, but promises quick solutions in the short term according to the Tweedekamer.

Possible solutions

One solution that’s currently being explored is whether international students and expats who were vaccinated outside the EU but now reside in the Netherlands and are unable to get a BSN can demonstrate their living status in the country without having a BSN.

Since the GGD currently only has one location for international vaccine registration in Utrecht, the GGD’s location in Groningen is now also preparing to convert foreign vaccination certificates starting in the second half of October as De Jonge reports. A possibility of an additional third location is present on the table.

READ MORE | How to get your vaccination from abroad registered in the Netherlands

About 24,000 international vaccination certificates have already been converted with a QR code at the location in Utrecht. 🤳

The Intercity Student Consultation (ISO) hopes for a solution that can support international students soon. “It is very important that they can go out and meet people,” says ISO chair Lisanne de Roos.

Were you vaccinated abroad? Tell us about your vaccination registration experience in the comments below!

Feature Image: nunochka/Depositphotos

It’s the final countdown: NS tests out new timers for trains

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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It’s the final countdown: NS tests out new timers for trains

NS is testing out countdown timers at train stations, so people can know exactly how much time they have left until their train leaves. 🚂

Do you often find yourself sprinting towards the trains because you aren’t great at accounting for time?

You’re not alone — but (for once) the NS is trying to figure out a solution to make the journey easier for travelers.

Instead of constantly checking your watch or phone to calculate how much time you have to get to your train, the new train board advice will do it for you! 💁‍♀️

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What the new signs look like when there is three minutes left until departure. Image: NS

How does it work?

At the stations participating in the trial, a minute counter has been added to the platform screens showing how many minutes you have left to get an expensive Starbucks coffee and board your train. 🏃‍♀️

On the platform signs, the minute counter starts counting down from five minutes before the train’s departure, and on the escalator signs, the countdown starts from seven minutes.

When there are 59 seconds left until departure, the counter will say “0 minutes” — but it might as well say “Run!”.

So far, the trial, which started on October 18, is only being tested at Eindhoven Centraal and ‘s-Hertogenbosch stations.

If it is successful, then we will be seeing countdown timers at every Dutch train station! 🕜

What do you think about the countdown timer? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: NS (Modified)

Penis plant comes to bloom for first time in 24 years — smells like ‘rotting flesh’

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Penis plant comes to bloom for first time in 24 years — smells like ‘rotting flesh’

All hail the penis plant gods! After a 24 year wait, Hortus Botanicus in Leiden is celebrating the possible bloom of a very rare plant — that just happens to look like a penis. 🍆

It’s not us that’s making the penile comparison either — the plant Amorphophallus decus-silvae literally has “phallus” in the name.

And people with penises, if you feel underappreciated right now, know this: plant experts say that this is likely only the third time a plant of this species has flowered in Europe, with the last bloom occurring in 1997. Echt!

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The plant requires very specific conditions that a volunteer managed to provide. Image: Hortus Botanicus Leiden

Does size really matter?

Now for the big question: length. The flower bud popped up in mid-September but has already swelled to a two-meter-long stem, and an inflorescence (blossom) of another half a meter.

Feel intimidated? Remember: it’s how you use it that counts. ✌️

Beautiful — but smells disgusting

But fair warning: don’t go sniffing this penis plant. Reports say that, despite its phallic beauty, the flowering plant smells like…um…rotting flesh. 😷

Flies, however, love the scent and flock in masses to the plant. That’s not really our thing, but to each their own, right?

You should see his big brother

If you find this baby impressive, you’ll love to know that Amorphophallus decus-silvae is closely related to the Amorphophallus titanium — or giant penis plant. Aw, now we’re disappointed!

Would you go see the penis plant in all its glory? Tell us in the comments below!

Homeless man dies after teenagers push him in front of tram in The Hague

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
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Homeless man dies after teenagers push him in front of tram in The Hague

A 39-year-old homeless man was hit and killed by a tram at the Anthony Fokkersingel stop in The Hague on Monday evening. According to eye-witnesses, he was pushed.

The accident was reported by two 15-year old boys and an 18-year-old who later turned themselves into the police, reports NU.nl.

One suspect already turned himself in on Monday evening and the two others showed up at the station Tuesday morning.

Extensive investigation

The three suspects are being detained by the police and are only allowed contact with their lawyers. They are being investigated on the basis of witness statements that suggest the three young people pushed the man in front of the tram.

The man died on the spot.

Tweet: “Update: the victim was a 39/year-old man without a fixed place of residence or stay.” and “We are conducting an extensive investigation into the death of a man who was hit by a tram Monday evening on the Rijkswijkse Landingslaan. In the meantime, three subjects have reported themselves.”

The police are conducting an extensive investigation into the matter and the tram driver, as well as other witnesses, are being offered help.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for more news and updates about the Netherlands

Image: TakeArt/Depositphotos

Hell yeah: no Dutch lockdown forecast for this winter

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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Hell yeah: no Dutch lockdown forecast for this winter

Ski trip, anyone? ⛷ The chairman of the Outbreak Management Team (OMT), Jaap van Dissel, doesn’t believe that a lockdown or curfew will be necessary this winter due to the high Dutch vaccination rate.

Van Dissel believes that the lockdown measures like shop closures, curfews, or school closures that we saw in 2020 will not be expected this winter.

According to the chairman, the coronavirus situation in the Netherlands has improved a lot, as 87% of Dutch adults have received their first vaccination. 💉

“We are in a fundamentally different situation than last year.” Van Dissel told AD. “Back then we had no vaccines. So in all reality, I see no reason to recommend such drastic measures.”

Rising infections

But what about the rising number of infections and hospital admissions? Well, Van Dissel just says that the relationship between the two is harder to estimate this year and “depends on a number of things.”

He basically thinks that since most adults are vaccinated, a lot of the infections now are affecting younger individuals — putting less people in hospital because they’re younger and healthier. However, unvaccinated people, (about 13% of the Dutch population) could change the tide.

Meh about the booster shot

Van Dissel also says that booster shots are only meant for people in nursing homes, and for the rest of the population it’s not yet necessary.

He thinks that taking a booster shot every six months can only prevent mild symptoms, which he doesn’t find too important. 🤔

Free in spring 2022

Van Dissel says that the Netherlands may be mostly free from the virus in spring of 2022, but that it is still up in the air. 🤷‍♂️

“That depends on a lot of factors, such as the duration of the immunity, the possible emergence of variants, imports from other countries…” said Van Dissel.

Do you think we’ll have a lockdown this winter? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Uitzending Gemist/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Windy Wednesday: code yellow along the coast and gusts of up to 80 km per hour

Jen Lorimer 🇿🇼
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Windy Wednesday: code yellow along the coast and gusts of up to 80 km per hour

We’re in for a windy day. This afternoon and evening there’ll be a code yellow weather warning along the coast due to heavy gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour.

This warning is in place for North and South Holland, Zeeland, the Wadden area and the Ijsselmeer, RTL Nieuws reports. So, if you live in one of these areas and you’re zooming around in your car this afternoon, be extra careful of the wind and that you’re not in the way of any falling tree branches. 🚙🌳

Not a day for outdoor activities

Martijn Dorrestein, a meteorologist at Buienradar, has warned of gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour this afternoon. 😳 These will be accompanied by thunderstorms. ⛈ So yeah, might want to switch that outdoor run for some yoga today. 🧘‍♀️

According to Dorrestein, the wind will temporarily decrease in strength towards the evening, but it’s not over yet. From the second half of the night, the wind will pick up again to a force of up to 90 km per hour along the coast. Coastal friends, remember to shut your windows tonight.

What are we looking at inland?

Inland the temperature will be about 17 degrees today — so actually not that cold. But there will also be gusts of wind of up to 75 kilometres per hour. Today would really be a good day to take the bus instead of your fiets (bicycle) — don’t say we didn’t warn you. 😉

Later in the evening, the wind will finally decrease and the code yellow warning will expire — just in time for another wet day tomorrow. Ah, the Netherlands. ☔️ 🇳🇱

What are your plans for this windy Wednesday? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: lucidwaters/Depositphotos

Weekly update: here we go again, Dutch COVID-19 numbers see sharp increase

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
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Weekly update: here we go again, Dutch COVID-19 numbers see sharp increase

The RIVM has released its weekly coronavirus figures from October 12 to October 19. The number of hospitalisations and ICU admissions have increased sharply, while deaths doubled over the past week.

Over the past week, the RIVM has reported 25,751 new infections in the Netherlands. This is a significant increase compared to last week’s report of 17,832 infections.

The percentage of positive tests also increased noticeably to 12% compared to 10.3% the week before.

Deaths

The number of patients who have died from coronavirus-related complications has increased significantly in the past week. This week, 48 people passed away, compared to 24 people the previous week.

Hospitalisations

The number of admissions to the nursing ward remained stable this week. However, admissions to the ICU showed a significant increase. The past week saw 385 new admissions to the nursing ward and 81 new patients in the ICU. The week before, there were 321 and 71, respectively.

Booster shots are being offered to Dutchies with immune disorders

In the past week, Dutchies who have a serious immune disorder have started receiving their invitations for a third coronavirus shot, a.k.a. a booster shot. The process of booking a jab is the same as it was for the first two.

For the time being, the Health Council doesn’t consider it necessary for the rest of the population to receive a booster shot. However, this could change if it turns out that protection against Covid-19 offered by the vaccine declines significantly over time.

A high-risk country again: the Netherlands turns red on the coronavirus map

On October 7, the Netherlands went from red to orange on the ECDC coronavirus map, meaning that the country was no longer considered ‘high-risk’. There was even hope that some provinces would soon turn green (low-risk).

However, just a week after turning orange, the Netherlands went back to red again, as the number of infections increased significantly.

Coronavirus predicted to get worse in autumn and winter

The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has predicted that the coronavirus situation will be worse than previously expected in autumn and winter.

Since September 25, some measures have been relaxed in the Netherlands and 1.5-metre distancing is no longer in effect. This has caused coronavirus numbers to spike, and the OMT has advised against further relaxation of the measures.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest news and coronavirus updates.

Feature Image: IgorVetushko/Depositphotos

It’s on: Dutch railway in a battle against graffiti sprayers

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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It’s on: Dutch railway in a battle against graffiti sprayers

Annually, the NS spends about €10 million removing graffiti from trains. As a result, the organisation has announced new measures to combat graffiti vandalism.

With a sharp rise in vandalism, the Dutch railway system Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) has announced that they’ll be employing new technology to combat graffiti sprayers according to the NOS.

Last year alone, 142,000 square meters of NS trains’ surfaces were sprayed — that equates to approximately twenty football fields combined. 😲

When and how do trains get vandalised?

Trains often get sprayed when parked at night, even behind locked fences. 😱 The upgraded strategy will be curated towards slowing or preventing vandals from entering NS yards. 🔐

The NS announced that they’ll be placing special fences with movement sensors and paint scent sensors, along with utilising drones and heat detectors among other strategies.

Between small graffiti prints to trains that get completely covered, not only is it a financial burden for the NS to take on, but it also affects passengers since sprayed trains get removed from their service lines for cleaning. Don’t be surprised if your next train is late, could be graffiti induced. 🤔

Keeping track

As part of the new measures, the NS notably has also developed an employees’ graffiti reporting app — handy! 🤳

Apparently, the NS keeps a database of graffiti related information, such as the most visited locations and “tags” or the signatures of graffiti vandals. 🗃 All the collected data from the app will be stored in this database which contains more than two million photos. Whoa!

While some people see graffiti on trains as art, the NS is combating this issue with every resource possible. “For us, this is really a destruction of the train,” says NS security director Frank Reitsma. 

What do you think of the latest measures taken by NS to prevent graffiti pain on trains? Tell us in the comments below!

Featured Image: thomaseder/Depositphotos

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