The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany has classified the Netherlands as an “International Risk Area.” This could mean that Germany may close its borders shared with its Dutch neighbour.

The RKI is a government-funded research institute for disease control and prevention. Its Dutch sister is the RIVM, which has been closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak here in the Netherlands.

On the basis of the RKI’s decisions, the German government has closed parts of its borders with several neighbouring countries, according to NOS. In the meantime, strict border controls are carried out where crossing is still possible.

“International Risk Area”

This classification means that there is a persistent transmission of the virus between people, and that further spread of the novel coronavirus will likely have wide-reaching consequences.

Also included in this list are the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Iran, Austria and France.

What this means for the Netherlands

Today, the Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany, Horst Seehofer will decide whether to close borders with the Netherlands. But although smaller posts would be closed, some of the larger ones will remain open (with strict regulations). This means that it would still be possible to cross the border (with some regulations imposed).

So if you have a valid reason (i.e. to receive medical care or see a family member), it is likely that you’ll still be allowed in.

Closing of the border would have implications for border workers, who commute daily between the Netherlands and Germany. Furthermore, microbiologists from UMCG in Groningen have access to 11 German hospitals for research purposes in bordering areas.

It should, however, be noted that the decision to close borders is not yet set in stone and more will be known in the coming time.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for all news about the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

The Netherlands has increased its ICU capacity to 2,400 in order to cope with the number of coronavirus patients that need urgent medical care. As of now, there are 1385 patients in total.

This is an increase of 25 patients from yesterday. The good news is that the influx of patients seems to be flattening because the numbers of patients remain the same as people who were sick before are now leaving the ICUs, reports RTL Nieuws.

Today 1385 patients related to the #coronavirus are on the intensive care. The reserved capacity has been increased to ~1900. In total 2400 IC beds are now available, but ~500 beds are in theory for 'regular' patients. #coronavirusNL #covid19NL pic.twitter.com/ExBuFo2f6i

— TAG (@itsTAGofficial) April 5, 2020

Some patients sent to Germany

Germany offered to help the Netherlands some time ago in terms of housing ICU patients to prevent overwhelming the Dutch healthcare system.

As of now, of the 1385 Dutch ICU patients, 24 of them are in Germany. Over the last day, there have been 34 medical trips between the two countries, with 26 of these trips to an intensive care unit.

Sufficient accommodation in ICU’s in the Netherlands

According to the National Coordination Center for Patient Distribution (LCPS), there is currently sufficient accommodation in the intensive care units in Dutch hospitals for all people who might need it. Out of the 2400 available ICU’s, 500 of them are reserved for non-corona related patients.

Cautious optimism

While the influx of patients has remained steady, according to Diederik Gommers, chairman of intensive care association NIVC, it is still too early for optimism.

According to him, there is a high chance that the number of cases will increase to around 2000 ICU patients, which will present significant challenges to the healthcare system. The Dutch should continue practicing good measures of social distancing and personal hygiene to prevent this.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for all news about the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: J. van Rosmalen/Wikimedia Commons 

For a country to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, it’s important that many tests are conducted in order to have a perspective of the spread of the virus.

The Netherlands has had until now a testing capacity of maximum 5000 tests per day. Thankfully, starting from today and announced by Minister de Jonge last Tuesday, the testing capacity has been increased to 17,500 tests per day, reports NU.

More tests for healthcare workers and vulnerable groups

The new tests will primarily be used for healthcare workers, but also for other at-risk or vulnerable groups. General practitioners will now also be allowed to test people who are in vulnerable groups.

To cope with the new number of tests, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has also increased the number of testing labs to 41, from the initial 15 testing sites. The labs are located primarily either in hospitals or in university medical centers.

If need be, the laboratories can stay open for 24 hours, which would increase the testing capacity from 17,500 to 29,000 daily tests.

All labs will be testing by the same method

The RIVM will use the same test in all of the 41 laboratories. The current tests take around 24 hours to come back with a result.

Prof Marion Koopmans, head of virology at the Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, whose lab is assessing home testing kits in the Netherlands, said: “So far, I’m not aware of any home tests that have passed our quality mark. pic.twitter.com/a2foy8NvbL

— Fionna O'Leary, 🕯#FBPE (@fascinatorfun) April 5, 2020

While there are faster tests on the market that can bring back results in a couple of hours, the RIVM will be using the tests they’ve been using beforehand in order to ensure that the tests can be cross-compared throughout laboratories in order to maintain reliability.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for all news about the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

As of today, the RIVM reports 1224 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 17.851. Also 253 people have been hospitalised. Additionally, 115 new deaths have been reported. The total count is now at 1766. 

Grim numbers, but both the new counts for the deceased and the hospitalised are down when compared to yesterday. The exponential growth of the stats isn’t happening.

However, it’s important to remember that the numbers may not be entirely accurate, as the RIVM notes. Testing is not conducted with every possible case, and recoveries are not being recorded as of now. Furthermore, deaths and hospitalisations are not always reported on the day they occur.

Warm weather today, but take precaution

As sunny, warm weather is predicted this weekend, Rutte and the cabinet are concerned that people won’t adhere to social distancing rules. Note that these regulations were implemented for a reason, and it is important to adhere to them.

Virologists expect most coronavirus rules to continue until July

Bad news if you were hoping to go on vacation this summer- or if you were hoping to resume normal life any time soon. Dutch virologists expect that coronavirus rules, such as the required 1.5 meter distance between people and the closures of restaurants and bars, will probably persist until July at least.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Rutte expects the number of people in intensive care will hit its peak in May, and won’t return to current levels until July (that’s 1200 beds occupied, by the way).

Despite all the mayhem there’s also somewhat better news:

Coronavirus vaccine has promising results

Researchers and scientists around the Netherlands are working hard to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus. The pharmaceutical company Janssen, located in Leiden, is currently working on developing such a vaccine.

The vaccine is still in its first phrases, but so far, the tests revealed that the vaccine produces antibodies that then latch on to and neutralise the coronavirus.

If all goes well, by September we will have the first trials of the vaccine on people. Based on the results then, it will be decided whether to mass-produce it and hopefully by early 2021, it will be readily available.

If you’re an expat in the Netherlands

Living in another country can be an amazing but challenging experience. Living in a country during a pandemic? That’s more challenging than ever. You may be battling loneliness, homesickness, and concern over navigating a health crisis in a foreign country.

If you have concerns about whether to return home, how to get basic groceries, to overcome the culture shock and language barrier, loneliness during this time of isolation, how to navigate the Dutch healthcare system and more, check out our article on concerns that expats might have during the coronavirus crisis and how to handle them. 

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on the coronavirus crisis.

Feature image: DutchReview/Canva

According to the most recent RIVM data, the total amount of coronavirus cases are now 16,627. Another 904 patients were known to be infected with the virus since yesterday. Furthermore, 336 patients were hospitalised since yesterday, bringing the total to 6,622. Meanwhile 164 new deaths have been reported. This brings the total mortality count to 1,651 in the Netherlands. 

The rate at which the numbers of coronavirus patients is increasing is less than it was yesterday (yesterday 1,026 new cases were reported). However, yesterday 148 new deaths were reported, and the number today is slightly higher.

Nonetheless, the rates seem to have stabilised slightly in that there is no exponential increase.

It should be noted that the actual number of new infections is likely higher than the numbers mentioned by the RIVM as not everyone is being tested. Additionally, a delay occurs between the day of the death and the death that is reported.

Good weather forecasted today – stay inside

Although the weather is forecasted to be warm and sunny during the weekend, it’s still important to adhere to government regulations and try to stay in as much as possible, keep a distance from people and wash your hands regularly.

Duidelijke boodschap van @Politie Amsterdam Nieuw-West. pic.twitter.com/D0FbjbpgsQ

— Sébas Diekstra (@sebasdiekstra) April 3, 2020

For more on coronavirus in the Netherlands, check out our coronavirus guide, which is updated daily with the latest.

If you’re an expat in the Netherlands

Living in another country can be an amazing but challenging experience. Living in a country during a pandemic? That’s more challenging than ever. You may be battling loneliness, homesickness, and concern over navigating a health crisis in a foreign country.

If you have concerns about whether to return home, how to get basic groceries, to overcome the culture shock and language barrier, loneliness during this time of isolation, how to navigate the Dutch healthcare system and more, check out our article on concerns that expats might have during the coronavirus crisis and how to handle them. 

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on the coronavirus crisis.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

The RIVM has published the latest count of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands. The new number is 15,723 cases. This is an increase of 1,026 cases since yesterday’s count, with 148 more deaths (total: 1,487) and 502 more hospitalisations (6,286 in total). 

For what it’s worth, that’s fewer deaths and hospitalisations than yesterday: but it’s important to remember that the numbers might be off by a bit, as the RIVM itself also has reported. Testing is not widespread enough to give us a good idea of how many people are infected, and recoveries are not currently being recorded. Furthermore, deaths and hospitalisations are not always reported on the day they occur.

What is important is the number of intensive care units that are left, because having enough capacity is crucial to stopping unnecessary deaths. Currently, there are 1,400 beds available across the country, with 1,191 being filled yesterday. There should be 1,600 beds available soon. The Netherlands also has an agreement with Germany, which will take some of our IC patients if we run out of beds.

Today 1273 patients related to the #coronavirus are on the intensive care. The reserved capacity is supposed to be increased 1600 soon.

The graph shows the theoretical framework of 'flattening the curve' applied to the Dutch scenario. #coronavirusNL #covid19NL pic.twitter.com/1XguwXcjpY

— TAG (@itsTAGofficial) April 2, 2020

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has allocated a fund of €2.5 million (starting March 20) for the distribution of laptops to children from lower income backgrounds. The aim of this initiative is to allow them to follow the online education in place due to the coronavirus restrictions. 

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Netherlands has resulted in the closing of businesses and educational institutions. These measures were put into place in order to slow the spread of the virus.

Virtual reality

What this means for Dutch society is a change in lifestyle. Restaurants offer take out, cafes offer coffee to go, fitness instructors offer live streams, and schools and universities offer online classes.

Society continues to function the best that it can. But it only works if you have access to the online world. Unfortunately, not everyone is given this opportunity.

Increasing connectivity for educational purposes

Many families in the Netherlands may not have access to computers let alone internet connections, both of which are crucial to facilitating online education.

That is why, last week, it was announced that telecom providers would grant temporary internet connection for those that do not have one now, according to De Volkskrant. Furthermore, €2.5 million will be provided by the government to Sivon, an IT company catered towards primary and secondary school education. The organisation will allocate the funds towards the purchase and distribution of laptops (will be carried out this week).

This means that a total of 6,800 children can now attend online classes.

It’s not enough

Amsterdam, for instance, initially forecasted 2,500-3000 families in need of laptops, and footed a bill of 1.2 million euros themselves for 3,250 Chromebooks and 450 WiFi hotspots. But it is believed that 5,500 families are in need of assistance, De Volkskrant reports.

However, initiatives such as the Leergeld Foundation aids the government, and schools also take measures themselves. The goal is to ensure that all students can access the necessary resources.

In Rotterdam, 4,000-5,000 children are still in need of additional resources. The city received a donation of 3,000 Chromebooks from the De Verre Bergen and Coolblue foundations, but more supplies are needed.

How do you think schools should deal with the coronavirus crisis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Feature Image: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels 

The vast majority of Dutchies are adhering to the government-imposed regulations to combat the coronavirus, with 99% saying they keep 1.5 metres away from other people, NOS reports.

This data comes from a survey of 2,300 Dutch people done by the I&O Research bureau in collaboration with the University of Twente. It also revealed that 97% of people are washing their hands more, and 93% are staying at home as much as possible. It seems like Dutchies are taking these measures more seriously.

More information should be shared with the public

Part of the reason for that, the survey reveals, is that they are being kept in the loop by the government about the effectiveness of their actions. If Dutch people believe that social distancing is effective, then they will continue to do this. The researchers recommend more information be shared with the public about their findings.

Cabinet concerned about social distancing this weekend

This information comes at a valuable time, as the cabinet and Prime Minister Rutte have been worried about the upcoming weekend, and whether people will continue to stay home. The weather is expected to be sunny and warm- exactly the sort of weather that draws people out of their homes and into public spaces. “It is extremely important that we stick to the agreements not only during the week, but also during the weekends,” said Prime Minister Rutte yesterday.

88% happy with how the government is handling the crisis

More positive news was revealed by the survey, as well: 88% of those surveyed said they were content with the way the government was handling the crisis. Even more importantly, 94% of healthcare workers- the people keeping us alive- said they were happy with the government’s measures, and 78% felt that the current measures were strong enough.

Healthcare workers feeling appreciated

Along with healthcare workers, essential workers like teachers and grocery store clerks reported that they felt sufficiently appreciated by the population. They also appreciated the support of the government and the royal family. However, they also criticised the fact that it has taken a crisis for their roles in society to get the attention they deserve. “Suddenly attention is paid to work that is otherwise taken for granted by many people,” said one of the respondents.

Young people are the loneliest

Surprisingly, young people (18-24 years old) were taking the social distancing measures the hardest, reporting the highest levels of loneliness. This probably has a simple explanation, though: young people tend to be very socially active, so they notice the difference between regular life and life under the corona crisis the most.

In comparison to over 50% of the younger demographic feeling lonely, only 22% of the over 65s feel this way. This is likely because older people participate in fewer social activities usually, so the difference is not so stark for them.

81% of Dutchies don’t think they will get coronavirus

Interestingly, 81% of the Dutch don’t think they themselves will get coronavirus. If they do get infected, only 38% think it will have serious consequences for their health: naturally, those most concerned are people who are vulnerable to the virus.

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on the coronacrisis.

Image: DutchReview/Canva

Dutch PM Rutte had a little moment with the press today. At this moment he once again asked the Dutch people to stay at home, for Belgian and German tourists not to come and for people flying in from NYC to quarantine themselves.

Prime Minister Rutte has called upon the Dutch people to stay at home as much as possible this weekend. “Stay at home as much as possible, if you go shopping, do it alone and stick to the one and a half meter.” Rutte does not want the weekend, when good weather is expected, to lead to a new peak in corona infections.

He also had a message for our neighboring countries:

Rutte spreekt de Duitsers en Belgen toe: 'Bleib zu hause, restez à la maison.'. pic.twitter.com/mnAFgwW1Zw

— RTL Nieuws (@RTLnieuws) April 2, 2020

People returning should be in quarantine

Rutte also asks Dutch people who come by plane from the United States to go to home and quarantine for two weeks, as is reported by the NOS. New York, in particular, is regarded as a hotspot for corona infections. The government is making the same appeal to people who come to the Netherlands on a repatriation flight from countries whose flights are not normally not allowed to land in the Netherlands. This applies, for example, to Austria, Italy and Spain.

Rutte said that he would prefer to agree that the United States itself will do “pre-checks” for outgoing flights. But this is not yet a reality and according to Rutte it is also technically complicated.

Image: Minister-president Rutte/Flickr