According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 107 year-old Cornelia Ras from Goeree-Overflakee in the province of South Holland, is the oldest coronavirus patient ever to have recovered.
A WHO spokesperson confirmed this information to NU.nl. The WHO monitors information regarding coronavirus worldwide, but does not necessarily know the age of persons who are cured. However, the spokesperson claims that Ras (or Tante Cor as her relatives call her) will likely remain oldest patient to be clear of the virus, even when all the data about the ages of recovered patients is collected.
107-year old Cornelia Ras is now the oldest known person to recover from Coronavirus.
Ras likely contracted the virus during a church service at her nursing home, where 40 other people were also infected, and at least 10 did not survive.
“We are all very relieved that it’s over,” says Maaike de Groot, Ras’s niece to nieuws.nl.
Close competition
In the US, a 104 year-old man was also cured of the novel coronavirus, and here in the Netherlands there have been several stories as such. For instance, a 101 year-old woman from Capelle aan den Ijssel was the first person over the age of 100 to have recovered, followed by a man aged 103 from Steenbergen in Brabant.
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Following predictions from other banks, such as ABN Amro and ING, as well as from the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB), Rabobank has also released its predictions for what the Dutch economy will look like after the coronacrisis.
The best case scenario is that the economy shrinks by 5%. That’s assuming that normal life resumes on 1 June, but that’s generally understood to be an optimistic assumption. More than likely, at least some social distancing measures will continue into the autumn, with schools and contact businesses like hairdressers to reopen first.
What are the consequences if “intelligent lockdown” continues past June 1?
If the Netherlands’ policy of “intelligent lockdown” continues for a further three months after 1 June, Rabobank economists reckon that the economy will shrink by 14%. They advise the government to avoid this if possible. However, if that situation does end up happening, it is thought that the economy will recover the next year, at least in large part: a rapid growth of 11% in the first half of 2021 is expected once normal life resumes.
The economy will take a while to recover
The reason the economy is not expected to recover fully is the long-term impact of social distancing on individuals and companies. Individuals may have lost their jobs or taken a financial hit during the coronavirus crisis: these people are likely to need time to recover from that before they begin spending the way they used to again. Companies may have been forced to close, or may take a while to get back to full strength. Furthermore, supply from factories is likely to take a long period of time to come back to normal levels.
All sectors will be affected sooner or later
All sectors of the economy are likely to feel a pinch at some point. At the moment, those who are taking a hit include small businesses, the culture sector, agriculture, and the catering industry, among others. But this will eventually trickle down into sectors like construction, which is forecasted to contract by 15% according to the EIB.
What predictions did the CPB and other banks have for the economy?
Rabobank’s predictions for the economy fall pretty much in the middle of those by other banks and the CPB predict. ING was the most pessimistic, predicting a 6-8% contraction in the economy this year and questioning whether a quick recovery was possible. ABN Amro was much more optimistic, expecting a shrinkage of 3.5% this year and growth in 2021 of 2.5%. The CPB presented two scenarios: a best-case scenario of 1.2% shrinkage and growth next year, and a worst case scenario of a 7% contraction with uncertain growth in the future.
How has coronavirus been affecting your finances? Let us know your experiences in the comments below.
At a press conference yesterday, Mark Rutte stated that we have seek out a new normal in our current society, as the social distancing measures will continue for some time.
How will people deal with following these new rules in the long-term? The longer they will last, the harder it will be for people to deal with them, according to social psychologist Tom Postmes in an interview with NOS.
Three stages of reaction to disaster situations
In Postmes’s view, people react to every disaster or crisis situation in three stages. In the first stage, people feel a lot of fear given the crisis and will follow the rules closely.
In the second stage, the situation becomes normalised and people then start to fiddle around with the rules.
Lastly, in the third stage, people let go of the measures completely.
Many Dutch people are still in the first phase of fear, according to Postmes, out of a sense of necessity, such as preventing the overwhelming of hospitals and ICU’s. A fellow colleague of his from the University of Groningen, social psychologist Arie Dijkstra, states the following:
“Now that things seem to be going a bit better, people are rightly reassured. But that could also decrease the motivation to keep it up. Everyone makes their own considerations. That is also the complication with a virus. You don’t see it, so each individual has their own image.”
Overly positive news can be a negative thing
While it’s important not to give in to pesimism, it’s still important not to give into overly positive news either. According to Dijkstra, there’s a fine balance to achieve between hearing about the positive things happening in regards to coronavirus, but also the things that are going wrong. Only if a more negative perspective is kept do people still continue to take the rules seriously.
Postmes considers that it is important that the situation is made clear to people, but that people do not become overly hopeful. One of his curiosities is how different parts of the country will go through the three stages of disaster reaction. “I think it will go faster in Groningen, for example, than in the south. And some young people may already be in phase three. How do you deal with that?”
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A second man has been arrested for biting and abusing a police officer in Rotterdam in an incident on Tuesday evening. Another man was already arrested when the crime took place, NOS reports.
The incident took place when police approached a group of people who were not respecting social distancing rules on the Bellamystraat in Rotterdam-West. According to an Instagram post made by the police, they approached the group and were met with immediate resistance. Some members of the group were drunk, and one man refused to show his ID. Currently, police have the power to fine people who are not respecting the social distancing rules- keeping to a 1.5 metre distance from one another, not going out in groups of three or more.
Things quickly descended into chaos at what should have been a routine procedure. Police officers were attacked by the group, kicked when they were on the ground, and one was bitten. They have since been given a tetanus shot and antibiotics for the bite wound. According to the police, this incident has had “a significant impact” on the police officers in question, which is especially understandable in the current situation.
Police have not ruled out more arrests
One man was already arrested at the scene of the crime on Tuesday evening, but the second one, who was arrested yesterday evening, fled the scene of the crime. The police have not ruled out more arrests, but it is unclear how many more people are wanted.
The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care units across the Netherlands has decreased for the first time. Today, sixteen less patients are in IC units compared to yesterday.
A total of 1408 patients are currently in intensive care, NOS reports. And for the first time, it appears that more people have left these units than have joined.
Social distancing are helping reduce the spread of COVID-19
A fear is that IC units will fill up too quickly (as they have in Italy), overwhelming medical facilities and staff. Consequently, the RIVM has advertised the importance of social distancing to flatten the curve to prevent this from happening:
Bij een te snelle stijging van het aantal ernstig zieke mensen, raakt ons zorgsysteem overbelast. We hebben dan niet genoeg IC-bedden. Door 'social distancing' worden minder mensen tegelijk ziek en is er voldoende zorgcapaciteit. Dit noemen we 'flatten the curve'. 🏥 #AlleenSamenpic.twitter.com/euDudBRdgS
Hopefully the increase in coronavirus patients will not grow exponentially and this levelling off will continue.
Downward trend in ICU patients
According to the RIVM’s figures, the increase of ICU patients from the day before on Thursday was 82, the next day it was 51 more than the day before, on Saturday it was 26, Sunday 25 and on Monday the number was 24. Between yesterday and today, the change is 16 (with 292 hospital admissions reported yesterday and 308 reported today). A
This is indeed, good news. But precaution should still be taken, as the virus is still spreading, casualties are still mounting daily. We need this the trend to continue, and we need to hang in there for our healthcare heroes that are working time in and time out to help those in need. So on our part, the least we can do is adhere to the social distancing measures in place.
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Coronavirus has taken over just about all aspects of our lives: our social contact, grocery shopping, toilet paper accessibility, and of course, our humour.
While these are undeniably dark days, we have to keep our spirits up somehow. At least, that’s what the Dutch seem to think, unleashing a plethora of memes on society to have a good laugh. We all so much fun in round one of this series, so let’s jump in to rouuuuuund two!
While some of these are written in our favourite lingua franca English, there are also some undeniably classic memes in Dutch. Rather than deprive the non-Dutch speakers of these, we’ve gone ahead with some handy translations so you can join in the fun with none of the work.
If you know who has created the original meme, please tip us! As we would love to credit people for memecreating
The good news — social distancing is really letting us tick stuff off our to-do list!:
Translation: Finally had the time to put these on my toast properly instead of just throwing them on.
But come on, the outbreak AND the start of sunshine? Way too obvious @Illuminati:
But remember, if you’re thinking about hoarding something, make sure it’s smart:
Translation:
Toilet paper hoarding ❌
Marijuana hoarding ✅
We are a little concerned about our tertiary students — how are you guys going?
Translation: Most expensive streaming services in the Netherlands per year:
Netflix – €95.88
Videoland – €107.88
Disney+ – €83.88
Your local technical school or university – €2083.00
At least we’re all acing statistics class:
Feyenoord-fans will appreciate this one: The government says hairdressers aren’t essential. We disagree:
Translation: Before the quarantine/after 60 days in quarantine
Meanwhile, some companies are making a profit, like this one:
Translation: New in the shop! Vespa, 1.5 metres. (By Patrick Kicken/FB: De Lachspier)
And this one:
Translation: I just put together this new bench in line with the guidelines from RIVM.
But not everyone has the money to pay for such suitable items:
Translation: Turns out working from home isn’t suitable in every sector.
At least we’re finding productive ways to pass the time!:
Translation: New drinking game: put on the television or radio, every time you hear the word ‘Corona’ take a shot. Good luck.
By: Katertje
And even new places to travel:
Translation: Looking at the map to see where we are going this weekend.
The Dutch are so innovative they’re finding ways around medical equipment shortages:
Translation: “We ran out of gloves.”
Psychiatrists are urging the public to take care of their mental health:
Translation: Message from the Dutch Union of Psychiatrists: Dear citizens. In this time of quarantine it’s normal to talk to plants, walls and other objects. You only need to call us when they answer.
And we’re still not really sure when this lockdown is going to end:
Translation: Government of Rutte VIII. (About the intelligent lockdown) “Dear people. Everyone is allowed outside again.
By: Harry
And the situation is getting more serious by the day:
Translation: The situation is getting very serious now. This morning, the first Dutchies put their towel on an intensive care bed.
But at least we don’t have too many cases, right? …Right?:
Well, we can always turn to our significant other in times of need:
Translation: Quarantine Day 10: My wife is gardening. No idea what she wants to plant.
But if you’re not basking in “marital bliss 😊”….
Translation: After two weeks at home with her husband in quarantine, Gertrud decided to knit him a beautiful scarf.
…never fear! You can always call these entrepreneurs:
Oh, and hey, have you started Albert Heijn’s newest collectables promotion yet?:
Translation: To everyone who’s collecting toilet paper, I’m missing sheets 10, 39, 69, and 187, they would complete my album.
We hope these memes let you forget about how our world has turned into a petri dish — drop us a comment if they gave you a laugh so we can forget too!
If we can credit someone for the wonderful memes above — let us know!
The coronavirus crisis has brought out the good side of many here in the Netherlands: apart from some exceptions of course, in general people are keeping to the rules, and they’re looking after each other. But there is always more to be done in that regard, so we thought we’d put together a list of some nice things you can do for the people around you.
Some are very practical, and some will just bring out a smile — both are equally good, when we’re all feeling a bit cut off from our fellow human beings, and missing that sweet social interaction. BUT, physical isolation doesn’t necessarily need to mean social isolation in the literal sense: we can still do nice things for each other, so long as we’re careful about hygiene and the 1.5 metre rule. And speaking of hygiene, here’s the first (and most important) thing you can do for your fellow citizens in this time of crisis.
Wash your hands
This is so incredibly important and yet so simple to do. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day: before and after you leave the house especially, but also before and after you touch something that will also be touched by someone else (that’s important for some of our ideas below).
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly, for twenty seconds, with soap and warm water. You can also carry around some hand sanitiser with you when you go outside, in case you need it then.
By doing this you’ll be taking care of those who are vulnerable in society, as well as anyone else you might interact with- such as grocery store workers.
Keep paying your cleaner
Although not everyone can afford to do this, if you can, keep paying your cleaner— or anyone else you have a standing appointment with but who you can’t meet in person. This will help them to stay afloat in this difficult time. Many cleaners in particular don’t make a lot of money on a regular basis, so may not have a safety net of savings built up.
This sort of good deed would of course not be necessary if we didn’t live under capitalism, but as we do, we need to look out for our fellow humans especially if they’re in a worse financial situation than we are as a result of the crisis.
Helpling, a company that puts people who need a cleaner in touch with cleaners from their area, has laid out a set of guidelines for people who want their cleaner to continue coming during this time, which is, of course, still a possibility (not to mention that hygiene is even more important these days) These are really helpful for figuring out how you can minimise the risk of infection to either party.
Our friends at Helpling have also set up a functionality to continue to pay your cleaner even if they don’t come to clean, thereby foregoing on their percentage of the payment.
Buy local, and from small businesses
If you want something, whether that’s a book, clothing, a new plant, a meal- buy it locally, don’t order from Amazon or some other large company. Right now, small businesses are definitely struggling, so every purchase you make with them matters.
Many restaurants and cafes have takeaway and delivery options at the moment, and bookstores, plant stores, and clothing stores are likely still open for a limited number of hours, or have worked out other ways to sell their products.
Even businesses that have decided to close their doors to the public may still have the option to order something online or by phone with them, which they can send to you by mail (or might even deliver themselves). So definitely check with your local businesses if there’s some way you can support them.
Check in on your neighbours
If you have elderly or otherwise vulnerable neighbours, make sure to ask them how they’re doing and if they need help with anything (obviously, you should do this from a safe distance). They might want groceries done, or something else picked up for them. But definitely ask, and don’t wait for them to ask you, they might feel awkward asking for help so the best thing to do is to offer first.
You can also look after your other neighbours: maybe you have some neighbours who are parents who are also working from home, who could really use someone going to the grocery store for them. Or maybe they’re a bunch of students struggling financially at the moment, and you might be able to make them a meal. Basically, if you have the time and energy, this is the perfect opportunity to chat with all your neighbours (again, from a safe distance) and see what you can do for them.
Tip if you get delivery
If you want to get food delivered to your door at this time, maybe through an app like Deliveroo/Thuisbezorgd/UberEats, then make sure you tip the person who delivers your food. All of these apps have the possibility to tip the deliverer, either before or after it arrives. Note that it’s best not to offer them a cash tip, as this can spread the virus.
A lot of restaurants who are newly offering delivery will have their own systems set up, many with the option to tip electronically as well. That also means you can avoid going through the major delivery companies and directly support small businesses. Maybe even call or email a local business that you want to order with, to figure out what the best way to tip is.
Tip your delivery person during the crisis! Image: samsaundersleeds/flickr
Also, it goes without saying, but be nice to the person who delivers your food. They are, after all, putting themselves at risk, and they’re probably also not being paid a whole lot. Smile, respect the contactless delivery, and thank them, at the very least.
Donate blood (or face masks!)
A lot of people who would regularly donate blood aren’t doing so at the moment, which is causing a shortage. While it’s understandable that people are afraid of exposing themselves to infection, unless you’re part of a vulnerable group, you’ll do much more good than harm by donating blood.
Especially while the healthcare system is under such strain, it’s important to support it where we can, and donating blood is one way of doing that. You can find more information about donating blood in the coronavirus times on Sanquin’s page about that very topic, but basically, the obvious rules apply: don’t donate blood if you have any potential coronavirus complaints, or if you live with someone who does, and go alone to donate blood.
There is also a really nice initiative to donate money to provide face masks for healthcare workers. Because the demand is so high, the extra money can really help keep doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals safe.
Take part in distractions for kids
Although many kids are enjoying driving their parents crazy, plenty more are finding lockdown just as difficult as the adults. Lots of nice distractions have been set up for them, including the very cute teddy-bear hunt.
Source: Abuzer van Leeuwen
If you have an old teddy hanging around, put it in your window so neighbourhood kids can see it as they go for a walk with their parents. Super easy, and you’ll make some kids (and likely some adults) very happy.
Got any other tips for good deeds you can do during the corona times? Leave them in the comments below!
The most recent RIVM coronavirus data is in. There are now 969 new coronavirus cases since yesterday, bringing the total to 20,549. Additionally, 308 new people have been hospitalised. The total number is now 7,735. Furthermore, there have been 147 new reported deaths, bringing the total mortality count to 2,248.
Sinds gisteren zijn er: – 308 ziekenhuisopnamen gemeld – 147 overledenen gemeld – 969 mensen positief getest
There are more cases reported today than the number reported yesterday (which was 777). However, today there are less mortalities than yesterday by far, as yesterday’s data showed 234 new deaths.
Most people testing positive for coronavirus live in North Brabant, according to the RIVM. Furthermore, the RIVM notes that because more people are now being tested, more people are therefore now being reported — so the number is higher than previous days but also more accurate.
Yesterday’s government press conference
During yesterday’s press conference with Prime Minister Mark Rutte, no major decisions have been announced regarding the lifting of the measures.
Rutte highlighted that measures were successful, with numbers increasing far less dramatically. But, he cautioned that can also create a risk, and warned people not to relax. He emphasised that during Easter, particular cautiousness needed to be taken.
After Rutte’s announcements, Minister Hugo De Jonge of Medical Care announced that apps to monitor and control the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands will likely be on the horizon. The apps are intended to support the work of the GGD, now in the lead when it comes to testing for coronavirus in the Netherlands. In the future, there should be mass testing followed up by the use of two apps.
What needs to happen before the coronavirus rules are relaxed?
The OMT is the main advisor to the government in this time of crisis. They recommend certain conditions be met before the country begins to resume normal life. One of these is that the infection rate needs to go below one for some time: basically, that means that each coronavirus patient needs to infect less than one person.
According to the OMT, the first regulations that would be lifted would be the ones imposed on contact professions. But as of now, this is still far on the horizon.
1400 people fined for breaking social distancing rules
Over the past week and a half, over 1400 fines have been given to people who flouted social distancing rules, RTL Nieuws reports. These fines could increase to €390. Since 26 March, police have the authority to fine people who are in groups of more than two, and those who don’t keep to the 1.5 metre distance rule.
There are exceptions, of course, for families and for groups of children under 12 with an adult supervisor. These extra powers were granted to the police as a result of the coronavirus emergency ordinance.
And finally…
Be sure to check out our guide on coronavirus for any questions/comments/concerns you might have about the virus in the Netherlands.
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Over the past week and a half, over 1400 fines have been given to people who flouted social distancing rules, RTL Nieuws reports. These fines could increase to €390.
Since 26 March, police have the authority to fine people who are in groups of more than two, and don’t keep to the 1.5 metre distance rule. There are exceptions, of course, for families and for groups of children under 12 with an adult supervisor. These extra powers were granted to the police as a result of the coronavirus emergency ordinance.
Government enforcers can also give out fines, but these are not included in the official numbers released by the police- so we’re probably talking about a far higher number than 1400.
Ruim 1.400 mensen kregen afgelopen anderhalve week een boete van @politie voor het overtreden van de #coronamaatregelen. De criminaliteitscijfers blijven aanzienlijk lager dan normaal. De politie blijft de komende tijd mensen aanspreken en handhaaft waar nodig. #alleensamenpic.twitter.com/Tg2cunBCML
According to Rutte in the press conference last night, the vast majority of Dutch people have kept to the social distancing rules, despite the lovely weather over the past few days. He urged people to continue to respect the rules- otherwise all of our social distancing work will have been for nothing.
A letter from the OMT (Outbreak Management Team) to the Ministry of Health, seen by NOS, has laid out the conditions necessary for relaxing the corona crisis rules: social isolation, schools being closed, contact businesses shut down, the 1.5m distance, and so on.
The OMT is the main advisor to the government in this time of crisis. They recommend certain conditions be met before the country begins to resume normal life. One of these is that the infection rate needs to go below 1 for some time: basically, that means that each coronavirus patient needs to infect less than one person.
Healthcare system needs time to recover, more testing capacity needed
It is also important that we reach a point where the ICUs and the healthcare system in general is not “over requested”, and it must also be given some time to recover after the strain it has been under throughout the past weeks. Furthermore, there also needs to be an increase in testing capacity, as well as the possibility to trace contacts when someone is infected (along the lines of South Korea’s approach). Minister de Jonge gave us some details of how this approach will happen in practice yesterday evening, when he laid out the future deployment of two apps to test for and trace coronavirus.
This contact tracing approach is also what Germany has been doing. This seems to have paid off: they have far fewer deaths than the Netherlands. It was also the approach the Netherlands took at the beginning of the outbreak- testing people with complaints, tracing their contacts, etc- but very quickly the GGD became overwhelmed by the scale of the outbreak. It is hoped that the apps will help with this.
Rutte: keep obeying the rules
At the press conference yesterday evening, Rutte made it clear that indeed, normal life would be a while coming. He emphasised that the quickest way to get back to normality was for everyone to follow the rules closely for now: otherwise, we will quickly undo the good that has been done by social distancing.
Which rules will be eased first?
The government specifically asked the OMT for advice on when contact jobs could re-open for business: we’re talking about hairdressers and beauticians, for example. “The lifting of the ban on the practice of contact professions,” says the OMT, “is one of the measures expected to be eased first. It is too early to indicate when exactly that is possible.” The OMT also said specifically that the current regulations around air travel should not be changed at the moment.
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Translation: Before the quarantine/after 60 days in quarantine
Translation: Government of Rutte VIII. (About the intelligent lockdown) “Dear people. Everyone is allowed outside again.
