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Diabetes care in the Netherlands: what you need to know

Kavana Desai
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Diabetes care in the Netherlands: what you need to know

World Diabetes Day is upon us. Depending on the type and severity of this autoimmune disease, having it can make life infinitely harder: you have to depend on diabetes aids and tools just so that you can survive another day. 

As of now, there has been no cure found to treat diabetes but there have been multiple advancements to help people manage the consequences of this autoimmune disease. So on World Diabetes Day DutchReview is going to take the opportunity to raise awareness about this life-threatening disease and diabetes care in the Netherlands. If you’re living in the Netherlands with diabetes, know that you are in good hands.

By Ailish Lalor and Kavana Desai

What is diabetes?

Before we dive into diabetes care in the Netherlands, first let us explain what exactly this autoimmune disease is.

A person is said to have diabetes when the glucose level in their blood is too high. Glucose is a simple sugar that is the most common type of simple sugars that can be found in a lot of vegetables, fruits, and a few grains. When eaten, insulin, a hormone that is secreted in your pancreas, makes sure that this glucose is taken from the bloodstream and sent to the cells for energy.

If this hormone is not being secreted or used well enough, the glucose stays in the bloodstream. If glucose remains in your blood for a long time, it will lead to severe health problems. You might call it a case of a “sugar-rush” but it is far more serious than that.

diabetes-glucose monitor-lancet
Image: Steve Buissinne/Pixabay

Types of diabetes

Having diabetes means it would be a matter of life and death which makes you more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, strokes, depression, kidney damage, skin conditions and more. There are several types of diabetes but the most common types are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, there are many other forms of diabetes that are often not mentioned in the public discourse. There is growing evidence that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are autoimmune diseases, even though type 2 has been commonly understood as a metabolic disorder in the past.

The other forms include gestational diabetes (diagnosed only in pregnant women), monogenic diabetes (a genetic form of diabetes), MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, a type 2 form starting at a young age), LADA (Latent Auto-Immune Diabetes in Adults, a form of type 1 diabetes that looks like type 2 because of the gradual development of the disease), Neonatal Diabetes (form of type 1 occurring in the first 6 months of a child’s life, which needs a different form of treatment), MIDD (Maternally Inherited Diabetes and Deafness, which is caused by genetic material transferred by the mother and occurs between 30 and 50 years of age), and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (which has elements from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes). As you can probably imagine from this list, it can be difficult for different forms of diabetes to be diagnosed correctly.

For anyone diagnosed with diabetes, life changes pretty dramatically. You have to do and eat different things each day: this is hard enough for an average person, but it makes this particularly difficult for the parents of children with diabetes. Diabetics will try to keep their blood sugar steady throughout the day, but this is pretty impossible task, with complications lurking around every corner. Plus, having an autoimmune disease makes you more susceptible to other types of autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders. This is known as comorbidity.

Type 1 diabetes

Your immune system is there to protect and kill viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing cells that might find their way into your body. But what do you do when it starts attacking the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin? In that case, your body does not make any insulin at all, and the blood glucose levels would sky-rocket.

People who have this type of diabetes may not be able to eat certain types of food and will have to take insulin every day in order to survive. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults but can also occur at any later stage. People who have diabetes have to make an estimated 180 extra decisions each day: balancing everything you do and eat every day is complicated. But the consequences of not doing so are severe: they include ketoacidoses and death.

Type 2 diabetes

This is the most common type of diabetes diagnosed in the general population. While in type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce any insulin at all, people with type 2 diabetes do not use the hormone sufficiently. So it is still produced but the body becomes “insulin resistant”. Researchers and doctors are unsure as to why some people develop this resistance, but most research alludes to lifestyle factors like smoking, unhealthy diets, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. It can occur at any age and is most often recorded in older adults.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms for diabetes are:

  • You feel thirsty all the time
  • You have lost an abnormal amount of weight in a short period of time
  • You can get irritated easily or have bad mood swings
  • Your wounds don’t heal quickly
  • You have to pee all the time
  • You feel like you haven’t eaten at all even though you had food
  • You have fatigue
  • You get a lot of infections around your gums, skin or genitals
  • You have ketones in your urine
  • And of course, a high blood sugar level

If you want to know the cause or prevention of diabetes check here or consult your doctor. Try leading an active life, keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar in check, and be on the lookout for symptoms.

How common is diabetes in the Netherlands?

The Dutch seem to be very proactive when it comes to dealing with diabetes. Diabetes care in the Netherlands is one of the best in the world. According to the World Health Oragnisation’s 2016 Health profile of the Netherlands, the number of deaths caused by diabetes in the Netherlands accounted for only 2%, a little over 6% of the population diagnosed with this autoimmune disease.

The European Commission also measured how much of the population is living with risk factors for diabetes: nearly 60% of the Netherlands is overweight, and nearly 18% are living a very inactive life. Obesity has steadily increased with 10% of the population living with it in 2000 to 13% in 2014 and 22% in 2016.

To fight these underlying risk factors, the Netherlands rolled out some national health programs. One of them is called the National Prevention Agreement which was ratified in 2018. It sets out ambitious goals to make the Netherlands healthier by 2040 but it was revealed in March 2019 that they are still far from reach.

Diabetes care in the Netherlands: does basic Dutch health insurance cover diabetes care?

In short, yes. You are covered for your diabetes care in the Netherlands through your basic Dutch health insurance. However, this comes under your own-risk fee or the deductibles. This means that you have to pay for a part of the medical care and medicines (according to what you set the deductible as) and the rest will be covered. Then you will be reimbursed for your visits to the specialist and for your diabetes aids.

However, there are still significant problems with diabetes healthcare in the Netherlands. One of the major issues is that flash glucose monitors (FSL) and sensors (that is, continuous glucose monitoring sensors (CGM)) are only covered by insurance if you’re under 18, have severe high glucose levels or are pregnant. Both scientific research and diabetics themselves state that quality of life significantly improves with the use of a glucose monitoring system, thus preventing complications later on in life. Most people prefer a glucose monitoring system to a minimum of four finger pricks per day (that is the standard amount of tools for finger pricks covered by health insurance), because you can treat your glucose levels all day instead of a couple of times a day and have no overview whatsoever.

There were changes made to this in November 2019, but the effect was only that children who had grown up using FSL would not have to return the monitors when they turned 18: their insurance would continue to cover the costs of the machine. But for adults with diabetes, the FSL system is still mostly out of reach due to the high costs when it is not covered by insurance. There is a petition with 51,000 signatures to change this, and have FSL and CGM covered by Dutch health insurance.

You are eligible only if your physician prescribes insulin as a treatment method. Don’t forget that referral letter from your GP and do check with your health insurance provider. Make sure to read that fine print with a magnifying glass to know exactly under what conditions this will be reimbursed.

glucose moniter
You can get a flash glucose monitor for your diabetes care in the Netherlands. Image: Sjö/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Diabetes care in the Netherlands: getting insulin if you don’t have basic Dutch health insurance

The scenario might always happen: you’re travelling through the Netherlands, and your insulin pens have run out. Or there has been some sort of delay with arranging your basic Dutch health insurance. You’re stuck and panicking because you may need these to live another day.

Don’t worry because there’s a solution to this problem. Everyone living and working in the Netherlands is obliged to have basic Dutch health insurance. If there’s a delay in applying for it, your insurance will be backdated to the date that you arrived here. So if you go out and get a prescription from your GP to go buy your diabetes aids while you are uninsured, they will be reimbursed nonetheless.

However, you will have to pay for this upfront: according to this blog post written in 2015 on Diabetes Sisters, the person paid 27 euros for a visit at the GP and 66.87 euros for five pens. It would have cost her 121.46 euros for 10 pens. However, these costs may vary from provider to provider. So even if you are travelling through, or if you are waiting to apply for your insurance, be sure to have the cash handy.

Are you living in the Netherlands with diabetes? What has your experience been like? Let us know in the comments below!

Editor’s note: DutchReview would also like to thank Danielle De Wit for all of her helpful insights and comments about diabetes care in the Netherlands. We couldn’t have done it without ya!

Feature Image: Steve Buissinne/Pixabay
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2019, and was fully updated in November 2020 for your reading pleasure.

BREAKING: Dutch cabinet wants ban on fireworks before end of year

Brin Andrews
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BREAKING: Dutch cabinet wants ban on fireworks before end of year

The cabinet is pushing for a complete ban on fireworks before the end of this year, inside sources tell NOS.

MPs will discuss the ban tomorrow, and on Friday, the cabinet is preparing to make it official.

Mayors and care workers have been calling on the government to temporarily ban fireworks this year. The intention is to prevent additional pressure on hospitals due to fireworks injuries, which are common every year around New Year’s.

READ MORE | Happy Dutch New Year: fires, 15M in damages, and 58,000 kilos of illegal fireworks

Support package

Also up for discussion at tomorrow’s meeting is the government’s support package. Tens of millions of euros are expected to be made available to companies in the fireworks industry.

However, the cabinet will only publish the decision on the fireworks ban once the support measures have been further detailed.

Chairman Bruls of the Security Council says, “It will be a somewhat uncertain turn of the year…But these measures would help to give some peace of mind.”

READ MORE | What is the future of fireworks in the Netherlands?

Do you think a temporary ban on fireworks is necessary this year? Let us know in the comments.

Feature Image: Marc Schulte/Pexels 

The Netherlands is the best in English once again

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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The Netherlands is the best in English once again

The Netherlands is the best in English in the world once again, as the English Proficiency Index of 2017 which has just been published tells us

The Netherlands ranks at the top spot in the EF’s English Proficiency Index (EPI), the world’s largest ranking of countries when it comes to their level of English. Every year, Education First (EF) does this study to see which non-native countries rank the highest in English. This year was the seventh time it was done, testing almost a million adults in more than 70 countries.

WE ARE NUMBER ONE – WE ARE NUMBER ONE*

*Of non-native English speaking countries

Is The Netherlands really the best in English?

Here you can find the whole page about the study and our tiny country’s awesome performance when it comes to mastering English. To save you a click and the scare of visiting another website other than DutchReview, here are four highlights:

 

#1 Netherlands number one

Suck it Sweden!

 

#2 Always in the top 3

Here’s the trend, it’s almost getting boring — and yes we’re known to get very high *wink wink* in general all the time:

#3 So we might have a little advantage already

And here are some awesome stats, which are totally due to the fact that we speak the bestest English and not because we’re some kind of shady tax-heaven that makes obscene amounts of money.

#4 The Netherlands compared to other countries

As you can see and expected already, younger people are better at speaking English than their parents and grandparents. This is especially the case in German-speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland and (duh) Germany. I guess they really beefed up on their education-system there because as far as I know everything is still awfully synchronized in these countries?

As usual, the other contenders are all from Scandinavia and again; suck it Sweden, now that we’re not going to the stupid World Cup in Russia we’re just going to have to celebrate this one! Interesting position for South Africa, I would have thought that everybody spoke English next to Afrikaans there?

What makes Dutchies the best in English?

Education is all good here, although apparently, English at Dutch universities isn’t the best in the world. No, if you ask me I think subtitling is key to our mastering of the English language. From a young age, we’re raised by the good folks of the television world like any normal developed country (although that’s starting to change sadly). All the American and English shows and films are subsequently subtitles in Dutch, it’s like the perfect language lessons and what makes many Dutchies under 40-45 year olds way better in English than their parents and teacher.

And of course, there are exceptions:

Ik kom niet meer bij! ??

Geplaatst door De Viraal Spiraal op zondag 7 mei 2017

 

Still haven’t gotten enough of this #Dutchsplaining and want to know why exactly The Netherlands is the best in English? Well, here’s an excellent article on that matter. Enjoy!

P.S. Ironically, you’ll probably find some horrible grammatical errors in this piece, but let’s hope that the good people at the English Proficiency Index won’t notice them. 😉

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Crowds of Dutchies took to the streets this weekend in spite of restrictions

Brin Andrews
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Crowds of Dutchies took to the streets this weekend in spite of restrictions

The beautiful weekend weather brought people out of their houses and into the streets, parks, and shops. This is in spite of the government’s guidelines to stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to leave.

Last Tuesday’s press conference announced a series of new temporary restrictions, to be followed for a mere two weeks. For many people in the Netherlands, that’s apparently two weeks too long. The Dutch government’s advice to stay home is being largely ignored.

Cities still bustling

In cities over the weekend, the level of activity suggested no sign of a pandemic. People took the streets for coffee, takeaway meals, and shopping, even though Prime Minister Mark Rutte said explicitly to “Stay at home and go to the shops less. Ask yourself, ‘Do I really need to go? Do I really need to leave my house?'”

Rutte may have warned, “don’t be surprised if we are strict,” but that has yet to be seen. It’s clear that people have not taken this seriously, as plenty of groups with more than two people hit the crowded streets over the past weekend.

During the second lockdown, more businesses are offering takeout, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (a catering union) tells NOS. “What we see, when the weather is nice, is that people now like to go out into the open air. There are not many other options.”

The catering union says hospitality professionals are responding as best as they can to help prevent turnover and keep employees working.

“That is human and not rocket science”

“We are almost not allowed to do anything anymore. So what is allowed becomes more attractive. Getting a coffee to go is the new outing,” Rick van Baaren, professor of behavioural change at Utrecht University tells NOS.

The behavioural scientist thinks that the initial urgency and fear of the first wave have subsided, and people are no longer willing to heed the government’s warnings. “It is not prohibited. It is advice. If you do not want anyone to go out, you should ban it. Then people will listen,” says Van Baren.

He thinks that people will continue to take to the streets if there is no ban. “People need to do something. That is human and not rocket science.”

“If the government shows that it is doing everything it can to get the situation right, more people will do their best.”

Code red in nature

Team leader Rein Zwaan of Utrecht’s forest rangers does believe it’s a good idea for people to go outside. However, they should recreate locally and avoid crowded areas.

“I get it,” he says. “More and more places are closed and people want to get out anyway. Then they think: in nature, I have space. Well, sometimes then.”

The ranger says, “In the rush to the parking lots, things go wrong. It is extremely busy there. We call for you to only go to nature reserves where you can come on foot or by bicycle. But then we encounter a problem: there is often too little nature to accommodate the people.”

In Brabant, several nature reserves even issued a “code red” over the weekend, meaning it’s too busy and people must go elsewhere.

In Utrecht, a similar warning was issued from forest rangers and nature organisations. But this did nothing to dissuade visitors, as parking lots reached capacity and traffic jams piled up.

What do you think of people’s response to the new government measures? Have you been following them? Let us know in the comments.

Feature Image: Brin Andrews/DutchReview

Man claims “freedom of expression” as he shoots gun at photo of Geert Wilders

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Man claims “freedom of expression” as he shoots gun at photo of Geert Wilders

In a turn of events, controversial political figure Geert Wilders has been the one to find issue with free speech. In a video published online, a man looks at the camera and says “this is freedom of expression” before firing shots at a photo of Wilders.

The man made no effort to hide his identity and posted the video to the online video platform, Dumpert. Wilders has filed a complaint against the man, who has since fled to Turkey, RTL Nieuws reports.

It is unclear whether the video was filmed in the Netherlands or Turkey, but Wilder’s sentiment towards the video is very clear. He shared the video to his own Twitter with the caption “sick.”

man-fires-shots-at-photo-of-Wilders
The man is seen posing next to the bullet-ridden photo. Image: Video Screenshot/Dumpert.

A controversial figure

Geert Wilders is known as a controversial political figure in the Netherlands. For example, his “less Moroccans” speech is infamous and has led to much controversy both legally and publicly.

As a result of Wilder’s love for “freedom of expression” he has been under protection for many years now. Whether any extra security measures have been taken since the release of the video is unknown.

What do you think of the video? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Video Screenshot/Dumpert

A guide to CVs and job Interviews in the Netherlands

Veronika Licheva
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A guide to CVs and job Interviews in the Netherlands

Finding a job in Holland can be quite the quest. But DutchReview is here to help! Here is our guide to CV’s and job interviews in the Netherlands!

Employers in the Netherlands receive hundreds of CV’s for a single job opening. That is why you want to make sure that your resume stands out from all the others. By making sure that your CV is on point, you will score a lot more job interviews in the Netherlands. Here are just a few general tips to help you with your resume in the Netherlands.

Job interviews in the Netherlands
Unfortunately Dutch directness does not work during job interviews in the Netherlands

Make sure you have the right resume for the right position

Depending on the industry you’re applying for, you want to make sure your CV reflects that. If you’re applying for a creative job, make sure to have a creative CV. If you’re applying for something more technical, make sure to have a resume that would fit that field.

You also want to make sure you have all the right keywords in your CV. Since there are so many candidates applying for a single job opening in Holland, more and more companies are using applications that filter the CVs for them. If you’re resume does not have all the right terms, then you’ll simply get flushed away even though you might be the ideal candidate. So make sure you update your CV every now and then with all the right keywords, in order to score a ton of job interviews in the Netherlands.

Job Interviews in the Netherlands
Scoring a couple of job interviews in the Netherlands can be quite the quest

Job interviews in the Netherlands: be prepared for a very long process

Going to job interviews in the Netherlands is usually a long process. You will certainly be considered unfairly lucky by the masses, if you find a job in the Netherlands within weeks (especially in a company). Firstly, you should prepare for a long wait until you get a response after sending out your initial CV (you have to understand that employers receive hundreds of applications for each opening).

Once you get a response (and if you actually get an interview) then that whole process will take another week or two. So prepare all the patience in the world when looking for a job in the Netherlands, because employers take their time in order to make sure they’re hiring the right people. Here is how your job interview process in the Netherlands might go, depending on the type of job you’re applying for.

Retail and customer service interviews in Holland

Stage 1: initial and possibly final interview

To find a job within retail or customer service, usually takes just one interview. Most of the time this interview will be with the manager of the store/bar/cafe/restaurant. During that interview the employer will want to see what your personality is like, what kind of experience you have, whether you’re good with customers and how motivated you are. This interview will pretty much decide whether or not you get hired, so make sure to make a good impression!

Stage 2: interview for a higher position

Even though it is unlikely, you might be called over for a second interview. That usually happens when you’re applying for a higher position, such as shift supervisor, assistant manager, or manager. The second interview is usually with someone higher up in the hierarchy of the establishment where you want to work. The questions usually aim to understand how qualified you are for the position and how you would handle certain situations.

Company interviews in Holland

Stage 1: initial interview

The initial interview at a company is to pretty much get to know the candidate. You will probably be interviewed by someone from HR, just so that they can get a feel for you as a person and find out if your personality fits the company. This process is meant to narrow down the candidates, and may sometimes be done over Skype. If you don’t pass this stage, don’t worry! It most probably means that your CV matched the criteria, but not your personality.

And while that does sounds terrible, it is a lot better than you may think. After all, you wouldn’t want to work at a company where you’ll have to hide the fact that you spend your weekends at music festivals, just because you lied at you’re interview that you’re a stay-at-home cat mommy in order to get the job.

Job interviews in the Netherlands
Life in Holland is expensive! So try to get many job interviews in the Netherlands

Stage 2: secondary interview

So you actually got to the second interview. That’s great! It means that your party loving personality matches with the company and they’re actually interested in hiring you. And now it’s time to start panicking! No, just kidding. But the second interview is usually A LOT tougher than the first one.

During that secondary meeting you will be interviewed by people that are a lot higher in the company’s hierarchy. They will also have questions for you that are a lot harder! So be prepared for some tough questions that will be testing your professional skills and capabilities. The purpose of this second round of interviews is to narrow the circle of candidates even further. So make sure to bring your ‘A’ game to that interview.

Stage 3: assignment

The third and final stage (although, sometimes the second and third stage are switched around) is usually the toughest one. In this final stage you will be required to complete an assignment for the company. The assignment usually consists of two or three different tasks, requiring you to show specific knowledge in various fields. It could be something creative or a writing assignment, what ever it is you better bring your A-game and make sure you check the grammar of your writing (recruiters hunt for those pesky spelling errors in this stage)

This is to test out your skills and ideas, as well as to see if your vision matches with that of your employer. The assignment is usually sent to you by email and you have a couple of days to complete it in your own time and send it back. This final stage will decide everything! So make sure to commit as much time to the assignment as you possibly can.

Where to look for a job in the Netherlands: Dutch job websites and recruitment agencies

As with most job openings these days, the easiest way to find a job in the Netherlands is via LinkedIn. Other websites you might want to check when looking for a job in the Netherlands are:

  1. Monsterboard.nl
  2. Werk.nl
  3. Nationale Vacaturebank
  4. Jobtrack
  5. Vacaturekrant
  6. iAmsterdam’s Job Search
  7. Amsterdam Jobs Online
  8. JobsInAmsterdam

There are also some really good recruiting agencies in the Netherlands, that could help you find a job as a non-Dutch speaker.

  1. Undutchables
  2. Aquent
  3. Octagon
  4. Adams Multilingual Recruitment
  5. Abroad Experience International Recruitment

If you’re looking for a job within retail or customer service, then just going out and looking for places with vacancy signs on their windows is also possible. Or if you want to know more about finding a job in Holland, just read our epic guide on finding work in Amsterdam.

work in Amsterdam
Don’t be to excited though, finding work in Amsterdam can be hard…

What to wear to a Dutch job interview

Most Dutch companies have a very relaxed and informal environment. So the best way to go is with a smart casual fashion. This will show your Dutch employers that you are serious about the job opening, but also down to earth and quite approachable. So definitely do not over-dress when going to job interviews in the Netherlands.

That is, of course, unless you are applying for a company where suits are a must. Then you should absolutely wear a suit! So remember to be smart, and research ahead of time what kind of company is interviewing you and what the dress code is like over there.

What to expect during a job interview in the Netherlands: Dutch directness

Aside from some character or skills related questions, you might also get some pretty personal question when going to job interviews in the Netherlands. This is the infamous Dutch directness. That means that you may probably get questions that may seem a bit intruding or straight out inappropriate in your culture. Your age, your relationship status, what your parents do for a living, how many children you have, how many pets you have, what do you do in your free time? All of these questions are considered perfectly normal during a Dutch job interview.

You may also feel like your interviewers are staring at you or are standing too close. But that is only normal in the Netherlands and it’s also a part of Dutch everyday life. Often you will catch strangers looking at you or standing too close to you, and that’s just normal life in Holland. So yes, foreigners often find it baffling how the Dutch seem to have no understanding of personal space. But don’t freak out if this happens during your job interview! They are not being perverts (hopefully, but don’t take our word for it).

Finding a job in the Netherlands is hard, so don’t beat yourself

Finding an English-speaking job in the Netherlands is generally hard, so do not be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, there will be weeks where you won’t have a single job interview lined up, but that’s all a part of the process. Just hang in there!

But if you still want to know more about finding employment in the Netherlands, we have a lot more on that! We can tell you the things expats complain about when job hunting in Amsterdam. Or maybe you want to know what are your chances of finding a job with English as a student. Or just some general suggestions about handing out resumes, working in hospitality, or finding a job through an agency in Amsterdam. Many have gone through this struggle, so you are not alone!

Many employers in the Netherlands like to know that you have good control over the Dutch language, even if it’s only a few phrases, they’re an asset in the job hunt.

So this was our guide to CVs and job interviews in the Netherlands! Do you have any other tips and tricks on getting an interview in Holland? Let us know in the comments below!

Police arrest 18-year-old woman for threats against Rotterdam teacher

Brin Andrews
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Police arrest 18-year-old woman for threats against Rotterdam teacher

An 18-year-old woman has been arrested in Rotterdam in connection with online threats to an Emmaus College teacher, reports RTL Nieuws.

The woman is suspected to be behind the original social media message that prompted a wave of hostile messages toward the school and teacher. The teacher has since gone into hiding as police investigate.

A misunderstanding

The threats were in regard to a cartoon drawing hanging on the teacher’s classroom wall. The cartoon featured an image of a bearded man, whom some Muslim students interpreted to be the prophet Mohammed. In their religion, this image would be seen as blasphemy.

Author of the cartoon, Joep Bertrams, is shocked and says it’s one big misunderstanding. “Students think the prophet is in the drawing, but it isn’t,” he tells RTL Nieuws.

Horror in parliament

In parliament, representatives react in complete agreement, calling it “terrible” and “unacceptable.” PvdA leader Lodewijk Asscher says, “Freedom is non-negotiable. Hitlers must be dealt with.”

VVD parliament member Rudmer Heerma finds it “unacceptable” that the teacher has had to go into hiding and that students cannot attend their classes as usual.

To stay up to date with news in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook.

Feature Image: Google Street View

Netherlands ramps up testing: new XL test streets announced in multiple cities

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Netherlands ramps up testing: new XL test streets announced in multiple cities

The Netherlands is taking a big approach to testing, with even more XL test lanes with rapid and PCR tests being developed around the Netherlands. 

The XL locations will be able to conduct between 3,000 and 12,000 tests every day. The test streets will have a combined capacity of 100,000 per day, double what the Netherlands currently has.

Utrecht, Groningen, Rotterdam and The Hague already have construction on the XL test streets underway. Schiphol, Arnhem/Nijmegen, and Eindhoven will also receive an XL location.

Tests for everyone

The government says that the streets are likely to open by the end of November or the start of December.

“With this approach, we want to ensure that every Dutch person is within a maximum radius of 45 minutes to visit a test location,” the government wrote in a document.

READ MORE | Netherlands stepping up rapid testing: 7 large test streets coming soon

Soldiers will staff the streets to begin with. After a few weeks, GGD employees or hired staff will take over.

Beyond the Randstad

IJssellanden, Twente, Zuid-Limburg, and West-Brabant regions will also receive L-size test streets. However, the exact location of these is still being decided.

Meanwhile, the provinces Friesland, Drenthe, and Zeeland are looking into how they can implement rapid tests at their existing test locations.

What do you think of the Netherlands’ approach to testing? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: ©zstockphotos/Canva.com

Organ concerts and vaulted ceilings: 15 churches to visit in the Netherlands

Vlad Moca-Grama
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Organ concerts and vaulted ceilings: 15 churches to visit in the Netherlands

Despite being a (very) secular country, the Netherlands has a long and rich history with religion, especially Christianity.

No matter how you feel about religion, one thing is certain. Churches are architectural masterpieces, and you do not need to be religious to enjoy their beauty.

There’s a great variety of churches in the Netherlands that are worth your time. With great vaulted roofs, Gothic details and beautiful sculptures, there’s definitely something to please your senses and give you some good ol’ eye candy.

Protestantism vs Catholicism

Before going on our architectural adventure, there are some things to note about Christianity in the Netherlands. The Dutch were some of the first to adopt Calvinism after their independence from Spain, who supported the Catholics. Nevertheless, The Dutch allowed some level of religious independence for the Catholics.

The north of the Netherlands is generally dominated by Calvinism and Protestantism, while the south is dominated by Catholicism. At the end of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th Century, the Catholics were emancipated completely through pillarization.

Nevertheless, nowadays, Christianity and religion have lost the role they used to play in society, as the country has become increasingly secular and atheist. The churches remain, however, as proof of the strong links to Christianity this country had. Without further ado, let’s get straight to them cathedrals, shall we? (We know what you’re here for).

Can you visit churches for free?

A very Dutch question, but an important one. The answer really depends from church to church. Some of them still operate classically as religious sites, so you’ll be able to go on Sundays for free. Others have become tourist attractions so you’ll need to pay a fee to get in. Some have separate fees for climbing to the top of the tower, so a bit of research beforehand is always helpful.

Westerkerk, Amsterdam

Image: Mariamichelle/Pixabay

The Westerkerk is one of the most iconic churches not only in Amsterdam but in the whole of the Netherlands. Built to serve the Protestant community, it is also the biggest Protestant church in the country. Its tower is 86 meters long, making it the tallest church in Amsterdam, so it is certainly not hard to miss!

Entrance fee: no

Website: https://www.westerkerk.nl/english

Dom Tower, Utrecht

Image: Massimo Catarinella/Wikmedia Commons/CC3.0

The Dom Tower in Utrecht is the highest church tower in all of the Netherlands. The cathedral behind it was never fully finished, and the tower is not even attached to the cathedral. If you climb all the way to the top of the 112 metre-long tower, you can, on a clear day, see as far away as Rotterdam.

Entrance fee: yes

Website: https://www.domtoren.nl/en

Nieuwe Kerk (Delft)

Image: Michielverbeek/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Next on our list is the Protestant Nieuwe Kerk in Delft. The tower was finished in 1872 and it is the second-highest in the Netherlands. One of the notable things about the church is that it’s the resting place for the members of the Royal house of Orange-Nassau. Beyond that, expect to be mesmerized by its beautiful interiors!

Entrance fee: yes

Website: http://oudeennieuwekerkdelft.nl/en

Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, The Hague

Image: Ralf Roletschek/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This timeless beauty from the Hague is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Its Gothic architecture is certainly notable, and it’s hard to miss, as its high tower dominates the skyline of the old historical centre of The Hague.

Entrance fee: yes

Website: https://denhaag.com/en/big-church

Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden

Image: PeteBobb/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This beautiful Protestant church is located in Leiden and it is one of the most iconic sights of the city. The church fell into despair in the 19th Century and was even considered for demolition, but thankfully after a long and intensive restoration, it was brought back to its former glory.

Entrance fee: yes, can also be rented for events

Website: https://hooglandsekerk.com/

Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk (Rotterdam)

Image: F.Eveleens/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This church in Rotterdam is the last remnant of the old medieval city. You’ll find it amongst the most modern buildings of Rotterdam, as the church is one of the sole survivors in the area of the Blitz of World War II.

Entrance fee: normally yes, (can also be rented). Also holds religious sermons for free on Sundays.

Website: https://laurenskerkrotterdam.nl/en/

Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam

church in Amsterdam
Image: Diego Delso/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

This is one of the oldest churches in Amsterdam, right in the centre of Dam square. Built back in the 15th Century, it’s a well-preserved building, showcasing exquisite gothic details.

Entrance fee: yes

Website: https://www.nieuwekerk.nl/en/

Cathedral of St Bavo, Haarlem

Image: WLoven/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This beautiful neo-gothic Catholic church in Haarlem is definitely a stunner. It’s also one of the newer churches on the list, built between the years 1895-1930.

Entrance fee: yes

Website: https://www.grootstemuseum.nl/nl/alle-locaties-en-hun-openingstijden/kathedraal/

Basilica of Saint Servatius, Maastricht

church in Maastricht
Image: Michielverbeek/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This church in Maastricht is a bit of an odd one out architecturally speaking, built in an eclectic Romanesque style. It’s located in the centre of the city in the Vrijthof square.

Entrance fee: yes

Website: https://www.sintservaas.nl/

Zuiderkerk, Enkhuizen

church with trees
Image: A. J. van der Waal/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

This gothic protestant church is full of history, founded back in 1424. Its pipe organ has been rebuilt to its former glory and you can enjoy concerts in its grand vaulted halls.

Entrance fee: yes, can also be reserved

Website: https://www.pgenkhuizen.nl/ons-gebouw/

Nieuwe Kerk, The Hague

Image: M. Mindehoud/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

The Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague is also known as Spinoza’s Church, as the famous philosopher is buried on the ground of the church. It was completed in 1656 and has a revamped and modern concert hall for all of your musical pleasures.

Entrance fee: yes, can also be rented for events

Website: https://www.nieuwekerkdenhaag.nl/

Saint Boniface church, Leeuwarden

Image: Udo Ockema/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Taking a break from all these Protestant churches, it’s time for another Catholic church. This beautiful neo-gothic cathedral, finished in the late 19th century, is one of the best sights to see while going around Leeuwarden.

Entrance fee: not for entering, but for visiting the tower

Website: http://www.stichtingbonifatiustoren.nl/

Marekerk, Leiden

Image: Michielverbeek/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

This iconic dome in Leiden dominates the skyline of the city and it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks. The church still holds services every Sunday, so you can go if you want to visit the building.

Entrance fee: no, but sometimes the church is rented for events, so check on their website beforehand

Website: https://www.marekerk.nl/

Martinikerk, Groningen

church back
Image: C. messier/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

This one is the oldest church in Groningen, with construction starting back in 1225. The tower, called Martinitoren, is the highest tower in the city, and it’s a great place to catch views over the place.

Entrance fee: yes

Website: https://www.martinikerk.nl/

Grote Kerk, Breda

church tower in Breda
Image: Michielverbeek/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This beautiful gothic church has one of the oldest organs in the Netherlands that is still functioning. It operates as an event hall, so if you ever wondered how it is to go to a food truck inside a church, this is the place to go.

Entrance fee: no

Website: https://grotekerkbreda.nl/bezoek-de-kerk/

This sums up our list of churches to visit in the Netherlands. Which have you visited? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Feature Image: Mariamichelle/Pixabay

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in July 2020 and was fully updated in November 2020 for your reading pleasure.

Dutch fraudsters selling fake COVID-19 results on social media

Brin Andrews
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Dutch fraudsters selling fake COVID-19 results on social media

Scammers have been selling fraudulent statements indicating that a person is free from coronavirus without ever having been tested, reports AD. The bootleg documents show falsified names of doctors and laboratories and are sold primarily for use when crossing borders. 

Such virus-free declarations are required to cross borders into many countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

As the GGD only tests people with complaints and does not issue such travel statements, they must be purchased from private parties. These legitimate companies take a standard PCR test and issue a statement of results, costing the consumer around 150 euros.

Cheap rates

Fraudsters have taken the opportunity to issue false statements for a much lower rate — between 50 and 60 euros. They operate via WhatsApp and Snapchat under names such as Digitale Doktor and Vliegtuig Arts.

The declaration is arranged in a matter of minutes. All it takes is a bit of personal information and online payment. An actual coronavirus test is not a part of the package.

Doctors who have had their names used falsely, such as Preem Heera who works for the Corona Test service, have notified police.

Not surprising

Director of HetHuisartslab (one of the falsified labs) Maarten Cuppen knows that Dutch people have been travelling with forgeries and is not surprised. “If the carrier or the country of arrival does not properly check those statements, the fraudsters will go free,” he tells AD. The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate doesn’t “supervise the content of travel statements.”

Arjan van Emmerick, director of Corona Test Service (another forged test lab) says there’s a lack of government supervision. “There have been very stormy developments. Out of nowhere, other governments demanded that you can only enter their country with a statement.” He adds, “Many children nowadays are very handy with computers.”

Heavy consequences

Criminal lawyer Sander Janssen tells AD that buyers and sellers are both at risk of criminal charges. “This is forgery, a serious crime for which you can get a prison sentence.”

And if the traveller is, in fact, infectious with coronavirus, a harsher penalty is likely. “If you infect someone and this person becomes seriously ill, it can be seen as causing serious physical injury. Compare it to an HIV patient who has sex with someone else. And if someone dies, it can even go towards attempted homicide. It is far-fetched, but it is possible.”

Are you surprised by the forgeries of negative test declarations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Feature Image: Freestocks/Pexels

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