Leiden pharmaceutical company Breathomix has developed a breathalyzer that frees up testing lines by quickly detecting if someone is free from coronavirus infection. A test street in Amsterdam has been using the breathalyzer for the past few weeks with favourable results.
The breathalyzer works by detecting particles in the air that people exhale. The Electronic Nose (E-nose) — as it’s called — was tested by GGD Amsterdam, the Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland and the Leiden University Medical Center. It could immediately determine that three quarters of people in the line were clear of corona.
Much needed relief
The device can massively alleviate the increasing pressure on GGD COVID-19 testing facilities. Of the 1,800 people who used the breathalyzer prior to the regular swab test, about 1,350 of them were deemed fit to be removed from the line. “The test is an important addition to the tests that are currently available,” lung specialist Hans in ‘t Veen of Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland said.
But the breathalyzer’s fast results also mean that many people can go home and continue to work or go back to school, without having to first wait for days. The test will therefore potentially help to lower the social and economic effects of slow testing times.
Although the E-nose cannot yield results that are 100% accurate all the time, Hans in ‘t Veen believes it is a highly valuable screening test which makes the testing process smoother for everyone.
Breathalyzers to be rolled out across the country
The Ministry of Health has ordered hundreds of breathalyzers that will be distributed to the test streets of GGDs across the Netherlands. The test takes about 45 seconds, as test subjects simply breathe into the device for 30 seconds and then wait for the result. The breathalyzer is then disinfected, and the mouth piece and filter are replaced.
Finnish breathalyzers
Finland is currently producing about 100,000 devices similar to the Leiden breathalyzer. Breathomix’s device was actually created to detect asthma, COPD and cancer in test subjects, but was found to also work for COVID-19.
Would you use this new breathalyzer test? Let us know in the comments below.
A 25-year-old woman faces 10 years in prison for the shooting of Dutch woman Grietje (72.) Grietje had been having an affair with the woman’s husband for a number of years.
The shooter, known as Summer A, and her husband Imraan Ayub (31) both regularly visited Grietje at her home. The affair began when Imraan was just 18-years-old and worked as Grietje’s gardner.
Grietje is said to have enjoyed Imraan’s sexual performance and he enjoyed expensive gifts in return. One such gift included a white BMW X6.
When Summer and Imraan were married, she was made to believe that the affair between her husband and Grietje was over. However, the couple still visited the woman to help with housework and gardening. Summer said that she pitied the woman.
The shooting
However, on one such visit, it became apparent that Imraan and Grietje were still having an affair. This infuriated Summer A. She told the court that “they turned on me, laughed at me, called me too fat, that I had to accept their relationship. I couldn’t bear them doing that to me after all that I did for them and the humiliations. I had already accepted that Grietje would stay in Ayub’s life and even felt sorry for her” AD.nl reports.
At this point Summer A took a gun (which she claimed she had found in the car earlier) from her jacket pocket and shot Grietje twice. Grietje sustained shot wounds to her chest and head but survived.
Regret
Summer A has said that she is glad Grietje is alive and that she regrets shooting her.
“I am glad that Grietje is still alive and I am very sorry. I wish I could turn back time ”, Summer sobbed. “I had never seen or used a weapon, I didn’t know how. I hope that after my release I will be able to receive guidance, finish my studies as a nurse and take care of my 5-year-old daughter.”
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The discussion of mandatory masks in the Netherlands has been a heated one. Today, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge has explained in a letter to the House of Representatives just exactly how he intends to regulate the requirement of masks.
After last night’s press conference, which introduced far stricter coronavirus measures, there has still been some confusion around face masks. It has been unclear exactly when and where people will be required to wear them, and how and when the rules will be enforced.
In Minister De Jonge’s letter, he references the COVID-19 law, which has not yet come into effect, but includes the possibility of a mask obligation. The bill for the new law was passed in the House of Representatives yesterday, however, it will be another two weeks before it comes under the scrutiny of the Senate. Therefore, we are still weeks out from any definitive mask mandates.
The intended date of the vote in the Senate is on Tuesday, October 27. If the bill is approved, De Jonge intends for the mask requirement to come into effect “the moment the bill is passed and enters into force.” He is also pushing for masks to be made available to people who are tight on income.
Until then, the cabinet’s ‘urgent advice’ stands — everyone over the age of 13 is urged to wear a mask in public indoor spaces.
What do you think of the cabinet’s plan to enforce masks? Let us know in the comments below.
Let me guess, like many other expats, you arrived here, snapped up the cheapest contents and liability insurance policy in the Netherlands you could find, and called it a day. But did you know that insuring your stuff can be easy? And affordable?
If not, let us introduce you to Lemonade. Not the drink; but your new contents and liability insurance.
What is Lemonade? Cover yourself for damages in the Netherlands
Ok so, let’s imagine you have settled into life in the Netherlands — you’ve registered at your local municipality, opened up a Dutch bank account, found yourself a decent health insurance and maybe even applied for some lovelytoeslagen.
You probably felt that was enough, but did you know you can insure things like your phone and bike from €2 a month? Or you can cover yourself for any damages caused if you cycle face-first into the back of a market stall? Lemonade offers contents and liability insurance for precisely these situations.
Sort your insurance from the comfort of your own home. Image: DutchReview/Supplied
What is covered by Lemonade’s contents insurance?
Lemonade’s contents insurance covers items that are usually kept in your home should they become damaged. On top of that, this policy also covers your phone and your bike.
Your mobile phone will be covered both inside and outside of the house for damages caused by things such as fire, vandalism, burglary or windstorms. However, there are some cases where your mobile will not be covered, like if you accidentally drop or break it.
If you need extra protection, e.g. for your phone and bike, Lemonade made sure to include an anti-theft add-on in its contents insurance. This covers all your belongings against theft inside and outside your home, even when you travel around the world.
Bike stolen? Lemonade’s got you covered. Image: Freepik
According to Lemonade’s Policy 2.0, this means — for your bike for example — that as long as you use an ART-approved lock with at least a two star rating, your bike will be covered should someone decide to take it for a late night joyride.
What is covered by Lemonade’s liability insurance?
Let’s say you are cycling along the canals, contemplating the picturesque turn that your life has taken when BAM — you knock the side-mirror off of poor oma’s mobility scooter.
It’s fair to say it was your fault, and now oma has a broken side mirror that needs paying for. While Lemonade cannot help you to translate the tidal wave of Dutch profanity that crosses the poor woman’s lips, it can help you to cover the cost of damage you may have done.
Lemonade’s liability insurance covers you for damages you make to someone else or their property. You can either choose a €1,250,000 liability coverage or a €2,500,000 option.
However, you are not covered for damages if you were borrowing someone’s stuff, and you break it. Borrowed Jeroen’s snazzy mountain bike and crashed it? That’s on you my friend.
Why Lemonade is a great choice
As an expat, there are many reasons why I would choose LemonadeLemonade. This insurance has much more to offer to the next generation of adults and expats in the Netherlands. They’ve taken into account our shift in values to offer us an experience different from any other insurance company.
Set it all up on your phone. Image: DutchReview/Supplied.
Insurance at your fingertips
With Lemonade, there’s no paperwork, no office visits — everything is online.
Signing up is simple: just grab your phone or laptop and tell Lemonade’s AI, Maya, what you want to cover. A few questions later, you get a personalized quote you can adjust for deductible, start date, coverage amounts, and more.
Filing a claim is just as easy. Tap the claim button, tell AI Jim what happened, and you’re done. Claims can be processed instantly, and about a third are paid immediately. If Jim can’t decide, a real person steps in. Either way, no leaving home, and payment goes straight to your bank account.
No Dutch? No problem
Starting life in the Netherlands can be tricky for expats, and Lemonade knows it. That’s why their services are offered in both Dutch and English.
If Dutch isn’t your strong suit, you can still select coverage for the Netherlands and handle everything in English. No more Google Translate or worrying about misinterpreting terms, as claims and correspondence are all carried out in a language you actually understand.
Insurance has never been easier. Image: Dreamstime
Lemonade’s ethical approach to insurance
Think the innovation stops there? Not at all. Lemonade takes a fixed fee — a set percentage of your monthly payments — and uses the rest to pay claims. Whatever is left over goes to charities that customers choose. Unlike traditional insurers, Lemonade doesn’t profit from denied claims, so you can rest easy knowing they’re on your side.
Nobody’s perfect — my personal cons
We like to keep it real with you, so here are some reasons why you might be reluctant to take out insurance with Lemonade.
No physical branches
Since Lemonade is entirely online, there’s no physical branch that you can point a finger to when you need to just look someone in the eye and ask them a question, which can be off putting for some.
The only way to access Lemonade is through a device and wifi. However, this means also that Lemonade is accessible anywhere, anytime from the comfort of your sofa.
Speaking with AI
Whilst Lemonade’s AI is great for getting you insured quickly and adjusting your claim hassle-free, some people just need to feel assured by a human. AI technically eliminates room for human error, but sometimes you just want to know that your personal stories are being heard and handled by another human.
However, rest assured you can always reach out and talk to Lemonade’s Claims Team, and have your case reviewed by a (human) specialist if needed.
Sign me up! What are my options with Lemonade?
If you’re impressed by all this, sign up is simple, just head on over to Lemonade’s website and tell Maya what you would like to cover. You can customise your policies so what you pay really depends on your own personal situation.
Curious as to how it all works? Lemonade offers an easy and comprehensive rundown of how they operate on their website.
Maya will get you all set up. Image: DutchReview/Supplied.
Sometimes life gives you crises and you need to turn to Lemonade. Are you ready for your new life in the Netherlands?
You’ve probably seen their bright blue aeroplanes sitting at a terminal (especially if you’ve ever been to the Netherlands), but did you know that KLM is in fact the world’s oldest airline?
Well, it is. It’s been operating continuously since 1919, and it now has flights to about 135 airports around the globe.
I’ve had plenty of fresh cheese sandwiches served to me by smiling flight attendants in blue, but it hasn’t always been that way. Haven’t you ever wondered how it began?
But wait! A quick note: Of course, with a pandemic in the air, KLM isn’t taking to the skies much anymore, and has had to resort to contentious government bailouts. In the meantime, let’s reminisce back to the days when we could hop on a plane and take a look at this iconic Dutch airline.
Wait, what does KLM stand for?
Before we get any further, we should clear up this whole acronym situation. After all, what does KLM stand for? As any Dutch person could tell you, those are the first three letters of Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, which obviously means Royal Aviation Company. The ability to be called royal is thanks to Queen Wilhelmina, and she gave this title nearly a month before the airline was actually created. Always the forward thinker.
In my humble opinion, using the letters instead of the full name was a wise decision. I can’t really imagine becoming the world’s oldest airline with that tongue twister of a title.
Not the first, just the oldest
To be clear, KLM is the world’s oldest airline, but it wasn’t the first company offering commercial air travel. There were multiple others (operating airplanes and Zeppelins), but none of them were able to stand the test of time. Except for KLM, of course.
Foundation of these flying Dutchmen
It started to become obvious that flight was the transport of the future, and an aviation exhibition in Amsterdam spurred some Dutch businessmen to pool their money together and start an airline. They officially registered the company on October 7, 1919, but the inaugural flight didn’t take off until May 17, 1920. This was only a short trip from London, but it proved successful enough to launch their first intercontinental flight to Jakarta in 1924.
If you want to get a visual explanation of their history, go through the decades with this series of videos by KLM.
KLM in 1964. KLM bestaat 100 jaar! Op 7 oktober 1919 werd de Nederlandse luchtvaartmaatschappij KLM opgericht. KLM is daarmee de oudste internationale luchtvaartmaatschappij ter wereld die nog opereert onder haar eigen naam.#KLM100jaar #NLtrots
Geplaatst door Oud Amsterdam op Zondag 6 oktober 2019
KLM Merger with Air France
After 70 years of flying solo, KLM decided they were a little lonely hopping around above the clouds. Fortunately, their friendly neighbours to the south felt the same way, and KLM merged with Air France. This little example of European collaboration has allowed for both airlines to remain successful in an extremely competitive industry.
Image: Alex Hoskinson
Dutch tradition in the clouds
It’s been hundreds of years since the Dutch made a name for themselves by sailing around the world and conducting business, so is it really surprising that they took to the skies so successfully? This sort of thing is in their blood.
Are you a KLM fan? Tell us in the comments below!
Feature Image: KLM/Supplied Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2016, but was fully updated in October 2020 for your reading pleasure.
The governmental parties have agreed to allow new regulation that will make children between the ages of 1-12 eligible for “active termination of life.” The children must be suffering terribly and without hope of recovery.
The agreement follows pleas by doctors who were unable to assist in situations where children were suffering immensely. An investigation into the matter was launched a few years ago and found that the majority of paediatricians were in favour of the possibility.
However, they also requested that there be more clarity surrounding the alleviation of suffering in the latter stages. The study found that there were approximately 5 to 10 children each year in the Netherlands who would be eligible for “active termination of life.”
A sensitive topic
The study was completed last year, however the coalition were reluctant to address the issue given the sensitivity of the subject. Rutte and Minister of Health, Hugo De Jonge, reintroduced the issue and while parties were initially divided on the topic, an agreement has finally been reached.
Under the new regulation, De Jonge has proposed that the Groningen Protocol should be expanded to include children between the ages of 1-12. He will consult with doctors about this.
What is the Groningen Protocol?
Currently, the Groningen Protocol only applies to newborns and babies under the age of one.
The protocol states that following consent from multiple people including the parents, social workers and the medical professionals in charge of the infant, an infant who is suffering unbearably may have their life ended by a medical professional.
The suffering must be so much that even under sedative and palliative drugs, the infant suffers immensely and will never experience independence or a good quality of life.
Children between the ages of 1-12 do not fall under the Groningen Protocol. This means that their parents can only wait for the child to die and place them under heavy sedation so that they won’t experience suffering towards the end of life.
How would the Groningen Protocol change?
De Jonge has proposed that those eligible for the Groningen Protocol should be expanded to include children between the ages of 1 and 12. This means that euthanasia law does not have to be changed, as euthanasia is only available to those above the age of 12 who are considered old enough to request it (although it must be approved by multiple entities.)
Following an agreement by the coalition, the proposal is expected to receive a majority of votes in favour in the House of Representatives.
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We’re sure you were planning on being a top-notch Nederlander and staying home regardless, but if you were planning to sneak out for a tasty waffle, buttery croissant, delicious pierogi, or tea with the Queen, you’ll have to take a raincheck.
The Dutch government has decided that with cases in these countries rising, Dutch people travelling to these countries simply wouldn’t be a good idea (never mind our own 43,901 cases in the past week). All of the above countries are now “travel only if necessary.”
Can I still travel to Belgium?
You may be keen to drop by our nearest and dearest neighbour. Technically, it is still possible. However, the Dutch government has classed Belgium with an orange colour code, and if you do travel there you’ll not only be subject to restrictions from the Belgium side like a coronavirus test after five days (unless you’re from Zeeland), but you’ll also be “strongly advised” to go into a 10-day home quarantine upon your return to the Netherlands from the Dutch side.
What about France?
Like the Netherlands, France is also breaking records for daily coronavirus infections. Six areas, including Paris, have become designated “red zones.” This means that regional authorities in these areas have the power to restrict the freedom of movement of any Dutchies travelling there. In addition, you’ll need to quarantine for 10 days once you return to the Netherlands.
Okay then, Poland?
Rising cases in Poland has contributed to the Dutch government’s classification of the entire country as orange-risk. Wearing a face mask in Polish public areas is now mandatory, and you’ll face a 10-day quarantine when you come back to the Netherlands.
And the United Kingdom?
The UK is also locking down further, as cases continue to rise in the country. While the majority of the country is still below the lowest risk level, areas at high risk have given regional governments the power to declare lockdowns. In addition to a 14-day quarantine in the UK, you’ll also need to complete a 10-day quarantine when you cross back to Holland.
Will you be heading beyond the Dutch border? Or are you happy to stay inside? Tell us in the comments below!
Temperatures have definitely dropped in the last few weeks as autumn made her triumphant return. The typical Dutch rain and wind will by no means be leaving completely, but the good news is we’ve got a few dryer, brighter days up ahead.
Weather across the nation is looking pretty dry right up until Sunday, with an incredible 0% chance of rain, according to Buienradar. Today will see a maximum temperature of 13 degrees and a minimum of 8 degrees, so be sure to throw on some extra layers if you decide to go for that autumn stroll through the forest!
The rest of the week will see maximum temperatures of 11 degrees, rising to 13 degrees again on Monday. Winds across the country will die down, so taking your little fluff ball for a walk should be quite pleasant.
Rays of sunshine
Overcast skies will be the norm, but every so often throughout the next few days, we’ll be treated to a few hours of sunlight. By the weekend, we might even see half a day of blue skies and sunshine!
They may not be those warm rays we enjoyed in spring, but we’ll certainly be welcoming them with open arms. So be sure to make the most of the sunshine these next few days.
How will you be enjoying the rays of sunshine these next few days? Let us know in the comments below.
According to the RIVM, 20% of people who tested positive for coronavirus went about their business as usual.
Virologist Aura Timen of the RIVM says, “These positively tested people went to work, for example, or took their children to school.” She told RTL Nieuws this is partly to blame for the rapid spread of the virus in the Netherlands.
Another important factor in the rise in cases is that 70% of people with symptoms of coronavirus are still going outside.
The number of positive tests is also higher than ever. Timen says, “Out of every 100 people, 14 are tested positive.” In early June, the ratio was just one in 100.
Bars and restaurants riskier than schools
The new rules to close down restaurants and bars are not without cause. The hospitality sector is where young people often meet, but Timen explains that extra risks also are present in that setting. “We also see that employees in the catering industry test positive more and more.”
Schools, on the other hand, are safer. According to Timen, the increase in positive infections is less extensive in the school setting than with young people in the older age category.
Are you surprised by these statistics? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
Following the supposed leak of new coronavirus measures in the past 24 hours, Mark Rutte and Hugo De Jonge have once again taken to the podium to formally introduce the latest restrictions. Let’s run through what was announced at the press conference of October 13.
Experts from the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) see the hospitality sector as a prime location for infections to spread, particularly among young people. This has led to much speculation surrounding whether or not the catering industry will face mass restrictions.
A further question was surrounding mouth masks? Will they be obligatory? Tonight, the Prime Minister has announced eight new measures which take a more serious turn.
Rutte’s message for the Netherlands
Rutte spoke of the many stories of corona entering the lives of regular people, and how regular healthcare was being postponed or cancelled because of all the new corona cases. Loneliness, tension, psychological problems and all the challenges for people with a chronic illness; life is harder since corona and that’s why we’re going to a partial lockdown, Rutte stated.
See below for the latest national measures in the Netherlands against coronavirus. These will be set in motion tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 10 PM. They will be in effect for four (!) weeks but will be evaluated in two weeks (on October 27) Most measures are aimed at limiting all movement and social contacts by people, but Rutte reiterated that these aren’t aimed at the vital educational sector.
Eight new national measures announced in the press conference
All bars, restaurants and coffee shops will now be closed. Takeaway is still allowed and this extends to coffee shops as well. After 8 PM, alcohol and weed will be banned from consumption in public spaces. Hotels can remain open and serve their guests.
The maximum amount of people that are allowed to gather in public spaces remains at 30. Churches and parliaments remain exceptions to this for the moment but Rutte has appealed to these institutions. If meeting with friends there are to be no more than four people. If inviting guests to your house this means you can have a maximum of three guests per day.
Amateur contact sports are no longer allowed. This applies for those above the age of 18. However, professional sports are still allowed so long as there is no audience. Tennis is also still allowed (only singles though) as well as activities such as running, where 1.5 meters distance can be maintained.
All events will be banned. This applies to festivals, concerts and neighbourhood barbeques.
All shops will be closed after 8 PM. There will be special hours for vulnerable people and the government will engage with the retail sector to try and arrange for safe shopping. Where 1.5 meters is not possible and corona measures aren’t followed, shops can be closed.
Working from home is strongly advised. Rutte says fewer people are working from home during the second wave. The government will engage in talks with workers unions to ensure this becomes possible for more people.
It is strongly encouraged that people do not travel abroad. If you do choose to travel within the Netherlands you can only travel with a maximum of four people from different households.
Mouth masks are to be worn by everyone above the age of 13 in public sectors, this includes in schools, MBO’s and University. This will be legally enforced as soon as possible (which can be days, in theory, months in practice).
Rutte closed with a call upon everybody:
“don’t be this cross Dutch person, be a realistic and sober Dutch person who rises when is needed”
Hugo De Jonge’s message
Following up on Rutte’s message was Minister Hugo de Jonge. He had a few other messages. “Don’t be aggressive to those that have to enforce the measures, especially not in these times” and also that the cabinet was very much concerned with the elderly in nursing homes, but that closing them also wasn’t an option.
So what wasn’t said at the press conference?
There was no mention of a roadmap of some kind. All in all, both men wanted to give a stern and serious message to the country. And in some way, it’s also an admittance of the failure of the Dutch government in the past few months.
Furthermore, the Dutch legal system is sometimes more of an obstruction than a help in this fight against coronavirus. Will bars become as exempt as churches? And when will we see an actual law enforcing the wearing of mouth masks? That might take weeks.
