Tonight we will hear exactly what the new measures for coronavirus will be, and which one of them will be shortened.

If you are in desperately in need of haircuts, there’s some good news on the horizon, reports NOS.

Contact professions to open again after May 11

Hairdressers, as well as nail salons, will open next Monday, May 11. However, they will only offer services based on appointments. The client also needs to not have any coronavirus-related health complaints.

Face masks will not be mandatory in hair salons, yet social distancing measures still need to be respected. This will probably mean in practice that not all chairs in a hair salon can be occupied.

Non-contact sports

From May 11, non-contact sports like golf and tennis will be allowed to be practised and played again. However, organized events are probably still out of the question.

Primary schools will also open again the coming Monday. Secondary schools, on the other hand, are scheduled to be reopened on June 2. Terraces will also open around this time, with a limit of 10 people allowed to sit together.

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Last night, hundreds of drones staged a seven-minute show at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam. In light of Liberation Day, they formed a red-white-and-blue heart, among other things.

The purpose of the performance was to give residents and healthcare workers in Rotterdam a little love (in the shape of a heart) and to reflect upon the 75 years of freedom in the Netherlands.

Boven #Rotterdam vlogen gisteravond 300 verlichte drones die een zwerm spreeuwen verbeeldden. Met dit symbool voor vrijheid en hoop staken Studio DRIFT en Mothership Rotterdammers een ♥️ onder de riem.

Meer info en terugkijken: https://t.co/jri010JyE5#RotterdamMakeItHappen pic.twitter.com/HnMG9jEQNy

— Rotterdam (@rotterdam) May 6, 2020

To top it off, piano music accompanied the flying objects.

Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen was present at the event, partaking in the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, which is responsible for overseeing the drones.

According to the Minister, the festivities should be repeated next year so that people can view them live. Furthermore, it is possible that this kind of light show may replace fireworks.

Did you see the light show in Rotterdam yesterday? Let us know in the comments.

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The RIVM has published the latest count of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands. As of today, there are now 232 more cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 41,319.

When it comes to hospitalisations, 27 more patients ended up in the hospital, reaching a total of 11,153.Unfortunately, there have also been 36 more deaths since the last count, bringing the total to 5,204.

According to the RIVM, the numbers indicate that the measures in place are working.

Update 6 May (thread)

232 new confirmed cases (total: 41.319)
36 new fatalities (total: 5.204)
27 new hospitalisations (total: 11.153)

Map shows cases, hospitalisations and fatalities in nominal, per capita and growth figures.#coronakaart #coronavirusNL #COVID19NL pic.twitter.com/dAosqaRGyj

— TAG (@itsTAGofficial) May 6, 2020

Antibody trials in the Netherlands and Israel show progress

Two separate studies developed in the Netherlands and in Israel have successfully managed to treat coronavirus in a lab setting using antibodies.

The basis of the research was on antibodies previously used to treat the SARS virus during the outbreak in 2002-2004. While still in its early stages and not yet tested on humans, the scientists working on the project are optimistic about its prospects for treating the coronavirus.

Anti-lockdown protest in the Hague

Yesterday, the Hague was the scene for an anti-lockdown protest. The protest was unannounced, and while initially, it got the green light from the mayor to be allowed to continue, disobedience from the protesters led to the arrest of around 80 activists.

A similar unannounced protest also happened in the Hague last week, and it was dispersed by the police. Chalk messages with anti-lockdown messages appeared around the Hague, and there might be a connection between the messages and the recent incident with two broadcasting masts set on fire.

1.5 million faulty coronavirus tests sold by Dutch company

A Dutch biotechnology company named Inzek sold 1.5 million faulty coronavirus tests. The company initially claimed that the tests were made in the Netherlands, however that turned out to be false. Instead, the tests were made in China.

The company claimed that the tests can accurately verify within 10 minutes if someone has the coronavirus. Independent studies found that the tests are inaccurate and that they pose a “major public health hazard.”

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Scientists around the world are working round the clock to develop better treatment methods for coronavirus.

Some good news is coming from two separate studies from the Netherlands and Israel, which are dealing with antibody trials, The Guardian reports.

Coronavirus neutralized in a lab setting

A team of Dutch scientists successfully managed to neutralize the coronavirus in a lab setting. Israel has also announced that a state-run research centre has achieved similar results through the development of an antibody that neutralizes the virus within the bodies of patients.

So far, the antibody trials have not been tested on people. While these trials are in their initial stages, if they work out well, they will provide treatment in order to stop the development of the virus in the body.

Berend Jan Bosch from Utrecht University stated to The Guardian that “Such a neutralising antibody has potential to alter the course of infection in the infected host, support virus clearance or protect an uninfected individual that is exposed to the virus.”

The study was developed on the basis of antibodies used to treat the SARS outbreak from 2002-2004. One of the antibodies used then has also proven to be promising in treating COVID-19.

Cautious optimism

The discovery has been welcomed by the scientific community, albeit with a dose of cautiousness. Clinical lecturer from Warwick Medical School, James Gill, considers it a game-changing discovery, yet warned not to declare victory yet.

He stated to The Guardian that “simply because we have found an antibody which neutralises a virus in a group of cells in a lab Petri dish doesn’t mean that we can expect the same response in patients, nor expect to see a positive change in a patient’s clinical condition.”

Nevertheless, scientists are moving fast to patent the new antibody and to secure its mass-production.

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The current lockdown has attracted its share of criticism from people who do not agree with the measures.

Such was the case in the Hague yesterday, where an illegal protest against the lockdown led to 80 arrests, reports AD.

Not following measures

The protest was unannounced. However, it was allowed to take place, as long as the demonstrators kept a distance of five feet from each other and followed police orders. The protesters disregarded this advice, leading to their arrest, as well as forcing the mayor of the Hague to end the protest early.

Daar gaan ze. pic.twitter.com/CtsjrOJACt

— lex de jonge (@xxxxellll) May 5, 2020

The protesters were escorted to the Hague central station by the mounted police units. Some of them threw objects at the police horses.

In total, around 80 protesters were arrested, mostly for disobeying police orders. For example, one of the protesters was arrested after laying down in front of a police van.

The protesters were taken to the station on buses from the HTM, which ended up being quite crowded. The police stated that they tried their best to spread out the people. Still, this attracted criticism due to to the lack of space in the buses.

The mayor of the Hague, Johan Remkes, confirmed that protests are still allowed during this period of time, as long as rules are adhered to and there are no dangers to public health.

A similar protest last week

This isn’t the first anti-lockdown protest that took place. Last week there was another unannounced protest in the Hague, that was also dispersed by the police after it got out of hand.

The municipality insists that protests can take place, but they need to be announced beforehand and properly organised.

These protests seem to be part of a wider social phenomenon that also involves scepticism against 5G technology and its link to coronavirus.

Last night, slogans were written with chalk around the city, with messages such as “stay free,” “unlock now” and “vrijheid nu” (freedom now).

The slogans appeared a couple of days after two broadcasting masts caught on fire in the Hague, which police suspect are cases of arson. This wouldn’t be the first either, so far 25 broadcasting masts were set on fire in the Netherlands.

Anti-lockdown protest in Utrecht

A protest also occurred in Utrecht, under police supervision. The protesters drove through town in motorcycles, cars and vans. One of the protesters stated that they were to celebrate freedom and that they are against any lockdown measures.

Among the slogans, the protesters had there were anti-vaccination, anti-5G as well as anti-lockdown messages.

Do anti-lockdown protesters have a valid point to make? Share your thoughts on the matter in the comments below.

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Dutch biotechnology company, Inzek sold 1.5 million coronavirus tests. The company claimed that they were made in the Netherlands when in fact, they weren’t.  

The tests are meant to diagnose coronavirus and deal with the antibodies in the blood, but according to the European Commission Outbreak Management team, there are no reliable tests for antibodies that act that quickly.

Already, the coronavirus tests have been sold in over 20 countries (including the Netherlands) despite their unreliability. Inzek advertises the tests as Dutch product. However, Trouw, states that they were actually Chinese. The manufacturer produces a similar test in China called Alltest.

The company claimed that the tests promised ‘very accurate results’ within a matter of 10 minutes.

“Major public health hazard”

However, two independent studies reveal that the tests are most likely misdiagnosing people. According to Trouw, Marien de Jonge, a researcher at Radboud University medical Centre, calls the 10-minute guarantee misleading. De Jong stated that “unreliable tests are a major public health hazard.”

Interestingly, in 2017, the EU passed a law stating that tests (such as Inzek’s) would only be permitted in the market after strict controls were carried out. This law is now outdated, and a new one will only enter into force in 2022.

From that time onwards, the tests will probably be deemed to fall under the strictest category.

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• People with chronic respiratory or lung problems who suffer from it so much that they are treated by a pulmonologist.
• Chronic heart patients, who suffer from it so much that they are being treated by a cardiologist.
• People with diabetes who are ill and/or have complications.
• People with kidney disease who need to dialyze or wait for a kidney transplant.
• People with reduced resistance to infection because they take medicines for autoimmune disease and people who have had an organ or stem cell transplant.
• People who do not have a spleen or a spleen that is not functioning and people who have a blood disease.
• People with reduced immune systems because they take immune-reducing medicines.
• Cancer patients during or within three months after chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• People with severe immune disorders for which they need treatment from a doctor.
• People with an HIV infection who are not (yet) being treated by a doctor or with an HIV infection with a CD4 cluster or differentiation 4 number below <200 / mm2.
• People with severe liver disease.
• People who are very overweight (BMI Body Mass Index greater than 40).

What should people who are at higher risk do?

If you belong to one of these risk groups, you need to continue adhering to social distancing rules carefully. Wash your hands frequently, stay at home as much as possible, and keep a 1.5m distance from other people.

Ideally, don’t have visitors, but if you need to have visitors, keep it to the same 1-2 people, and ask them to adhere carefully to the rules as well.

The RIVM also advises you to take some extra measures, such as having your groceries delivered, getting someone else to walk the dog, and to continue working from home. If you have cold symptoms, stay home. If you have difficulty breathing or get a high fever, contact a doctor.

Are children with underlying health conditions at a higher risk?

Children, even those with underlying health conditions, do not seem to be at a higher risk for the virus, with the possible exception of those with diabetes or who are extremely overweight.

You should consult with your family doctor if you have concerns about your child going back to school when they reopen on May 11.

Does asthma, or having had the flu shot, put you at a higher risk?

People with asthma or allergies do not seem to be at a higher risk for coronavirus, so long as they take their medication. A flu shot does not have any impact on your vulnerability to coronavirus.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest news on the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

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The RIVM has published the latest count of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands for Tuesday the 5th of May.

As of today, there are 317 more official cases since the last count, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands to 41,087.

There have been 89 new hospitalizations, bringing the total to 11,126.

Unfortunately, there have been 86 more deaths, bringing the number of casualties due to the virus to 5,168. Although these numbers are a bit higher than the days before, this is because some deaths and hospitalisations are not reported on the day they occur. On Tuesdays, the total for the week preceding become accurate.

Here’s an overview of some other coronavirus related news in the Netherlands:

Facemasks will be obligatory on KLM flights

KLM will make facemasks obligatory on its flights from 11 May onwards. Passengers who do not wear one will not be allowed to fly. However, there will not be any fines if passengers do not wear a mask.KLM will be adding some extra flights from 11 May onwards, resuming its routes to Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Rome, Milan, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Helsinki. Passengers may also wear a scarf instead of a facemask. So long as it covers the nose and mouth and fastens behind the ears, it’s good to go, according to the KLM spokesperson.

First hints of cabinet’s plans for reopening society

The cabinet is considering reopening terraces from 1 June, which is good news for all of you who have been missing sipping beer in this good weather. Also under consideration is making face masks on public transport obligatory, as more people will be on the move soon. More details will be released soon, such as the government’s plans for contact professions, and when these changes might come into effect.

King Willem Alexander’s Remembrance Day speech

Though not strictly coronavirus related, yesterday was Remembrance Day and King Willem Alexander gave a speech that has really impressed people. He spoke about his great-grandmother’s role during WWII, and the fact that many members of the Jewish community did not feel that she did enough to help them. This is the first time this has been acknowledged by a member of the royal family.

You can follow DutchReview on Facebook for more updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands.

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KLM will make facemasks obligatory on its flights from 11 May onwards. Passengers who do not wear one will not be allowed to fly. However, there will not be any fines if passengers do not wear a mask.

KLM will be adding some extra flights from 11 May onwards, resuming its routes to Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Rome, Milan, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Helsinki. Currently, the airline is operating at 10% of its regular capacity. These new routes will bring it up to 15%.

Scarves can also be used instead of facemasks

Passengers may also wear a scarf instead of a facemask. So long as it covers the nose and mouth and fastens behind the ears, it’s good to go, according to the KLM spokesperson.

Airline will adhere to 1.5m rule when possible

The airline will also be trying to adhere to the 1.5m rule, keeping the seats between passengers empty. This should definitely be possible on these new routes, where the demand is still pretty low, but on several repatriation flights it has not been possible for passengers to keep 1.5m from each other, the KLM spokesperson said.

Facemasks in the Netherlands: conflicting information

Mandatory facemasks are also being considered for public transport in the Netherlands as part of the cabinets plan to reopen the country. However, the RIVM maintains that they are not necessary, so long as everyone sticks to the rules.

Would you be happy to wear a facemask on a flight? Let us know in the comments below.

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The cabinet is currently fleshing out its plans for the next phase of lockdown. As the numbers of deaths, hospitalisations and ICU beds occupied by coronavirus patients continue to fall, some restrictions are likely to be lifted soon.

Terraces may reopen from 1 June

Many of us have been missing sitting on a terrace, sipping a beer, especially with the amazing weather we’ve been having recently. Good news might be just around the corner, as the cabinet is considering opening terraces again from 1 June onwards.

Face masks on public transport

The cabinet is also considering making the wearing of facemasks on public transport obligatory, as more and more people begin moving around. Public transport is currently still intended only for those who absolutely need to travel to work.

But as more people begin to move around- for example when primary schools reopen next week- the 1.5m distance cannot be guaranteed on public transport, so the cabinet is considering making facemasks obligatory.

More details to emerge

As yet, there are no confirmed details on how the cabinet wants contact professions (such as hairdressers) to manage things when they reopen. There are also no set dates yet for when these rules will be relaxed. That should be revealed over the coming weeks- probably on Wednesday, when the next press conference is set to take place.

Are you excited for a specific social distancing rule to be lifted? Let us know in the comments below.

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