The  National Institute for Health and Environment (RIVM) has published the latest numbers on the coronavirus in the Netherlands, and there are now 1135 cases, an increase of 176 from the last count. Another 8 people have also died from coronavirus.

It’s important to know that this is not the number, in reality, this number is probably a great deal higher as we’ve once again have written yesterday. And even today news broke that director of the GGD, responsible for testing, thinks that 6000 cases is a more realistic number.

Why will DutchReview keep reporting the official number then? Well, it signals a trend and direction of the pandemic, that’s one thing. The number of deaths also is relevant. And we’re also attaching other news about coronavirus in the Netherlands to these articles, so you know you’re getting an update from DutchReview somewhere between 14 and 15 pm. 

The cases in the Netherlands have been on an upwards increase ever since the first case was detected back on the 27th of February. Measures that are now being taken include cancelling of all events of over 100 people, closing down Universities and asking the people to work at home, or to stay indoors if they have any flu-like symptoms.

The latest measures in the Netherlands for the coronavirus pandemic. Also: work from home if possible, don't visit high risk people (elderly), no traveling for medical personel. Stay safe all! 🤟 🌍 More info on https://t.co/TiJxYXHiqH#covid_19 #coronanl #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/ekF30Xkt3F

— DutchReview (@Dutchreviewing) March 12, 2020

KLM will cut down on 2000 jobs

One of the industries that have been most affected by the coronavirus was the airline industries, owing to travel restrictions or outright bans on any form of transport. KLM has also been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and it recently announced that it will cut down on 2000 jobs, reports AD.

The cuts are made in the context of fewer flights which affects the profits of the company, and the company has also reduced investments in order to increase cost savings.

Keukenhof will remain closed until at least the first of April

The world-renowned flower park will remain closed until the first of April. Normally, it was supposed to open on the 21st of March, yet given the current measures being taken that ban events with over 100 people, including outdoor events, the Keukenhof is respecting governmental policy, reports NU. The park is planning for an opening on the first of April, a day after the measures that are currently in place will expire. Nonetheless, the administration of the park has stated they will keep an eye on the evolution of the coronavirus and will carefully decide if to open the park or not.

Check out our coronavirus video

If you would like to know more about the situation of the coronavirus in the Netherlands, you can check out our guide. You can also check out our video on the virus.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for more information about coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

According to a mathematical calculation made by the Municipal and Regional Health Service, there could be up to 6000 cases of coronavirus in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has been slow in its response to the coronavirus, and there are concerns that the real numbers of infections is higher than the actual one reported by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), reports RTL Nieuws.

The reason why the actual number of infections is higher than the measured one is that some people develop only mild flu-like symptoms and therefore do not go out to get tested for the coronavirus. Another reason is that in some regions only people over 70 with serious symptoms are being tested, owing to a lack of testing kits.

Schools should stay open

Van de Gouw, the representative of the Municipal and Regional Health Service (GGD) in cabinet consultations about the coronavirus, argues that schools should remain open. The reasoning is that closing schools will have a high social impact, despite the large number of infections in the country.

According to him, any measures need to be considered in the context that they might last until the summer holiday. Can a country handle that? Besides that, one needs to consider the relationship between the spread of the virus and social and economic effects, whether or not potential measures will stop the spreading, and if the measures are realistic if they must go on for months at end.

Editorial note: more schools are closing anyways. The cabinet has also stated that there won’t be any fines and such if you keep your kids at home. Furthermore, there’s another crisis meeting on this matter today again, so this might all change.

Higher risks for children outside of school

De Grouw considers that children are at a higher risk of getting infected outside of school rather than at school. Furthermore, if current measures will be implemented successfully, the reproduction number of the virus (the number of people that get infected by one sick individual) will drop to below one. Currently, without any measures, that number is two.

As such, the GGD considers it is not yet necessary to close down schools, shops and bars.

Municipalities are asking for help in combating the virus

Throughout the country, different municipalities are asking for help, as they lack resources such as protective equipment, beds, insulation and quarantine areas. They’ve asked the Ministry of Defence to provide help in that regard. Especially if the real number of infections is 6000, it’s important that all preparations are taken so that the healthcare system does not get overwhelmed with the number of cases.

Check out our coronavirus guide and video

We’ve compiled a guide with all you need to know about the coronavirus in the Netherlands. You can also check out our video for any other info you need to know about the virus.

If you’re planning a trip to the supermarket in the next few days, be prepared, as there’s a chance won’t be able to find ordinary items that you are looking for. People have been stocking up on food after yesterday’s announcement to take more extreme measures. 

Ook in Groningen zijn de mensen aan het hamsteren geslagen. pic.twitter.com/LV310iOxB8

— Marjan (@MarjanChristian) March 13, 2020

According to RTL Nieuws, it’s almost as if it were Christmas- bulk buying has begun. Canned products and items like toilet paper are most commonly purchased at this time. However, stores are aware of this and will have fresh items delivered in the next few days.

Furthermore, Jumbo, according to RTL Nieuws, has set a quota on things like soap and cleaning products in order to contain the hoarding somewhat.

Please note that stores will be replenished and that hoarding of products is not necessary. It’s best to maintain calm in this situation and if you are in need of any specific products, ask your friends or neighbours. Stores will be replenished every couple of days.

Beste hamsteraars,
– morgen of overmorgen ligt er gewoon weer nieuw WC papier in de supermarkt.
– laten jullie nog wat liggen voor al die mensen die moeten werken om zaken als ziekenhuizen en distributie draaiende te houden?
Dank.

— Peter de Haan (@Peter26061980) March 13, 2020

More information about COVID-19 in the Netherlands

The RIVM has published the new numbers of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands, which now reach 804, an increase of 190 from yesterday. The biggest rise in the Netherlands since the beginning of the pandemic. Sadly, 5 persons have perished since yesterday too.

It’s also important to note that the actual number is higher since not everybody is getting tests and the GGD only tests one person per household for a few days now.

Sinds gisteren zijn er vijf patiënten overleden aan #COVID-19. Er zijn 190 nieuwe patiënten bij het RIVM gemeld. Meer info: https://t.co/lsiFYWYtG2#coronavirus #COVID19

— RIVM (@rivm) March 13, 2020

Around the world, countries are gripping with the coronavirus global pandemic. Some countries have chosen to close their borders, ban public events, close down schools and universities, and in places like Italy, full country quarantines.

The Netherlands has been criticized for its slow response, which was similar to Italy’s approach before the country got severely hit by the coronavirus. New policies have been implemented since yesterday until the 31st of March, but only time will tell if they are sufficient, or if more measures need to be implemented.

Universities closed in the Netherlands, but schools remain open

One of the measures implemented by the Dutch government has been the closure of Universities. All lectures, social activities and exams involving direct contact have been cancelled until the end of the month. Nevertheless, paper deadlines will remain in effect and schools need to provide digital alternatives for their students to attend class.

Primary and secondary schools remain open, as closing them would mean parents need to stay at home to take care of their children. Some of the parents work in domains that are needed in the context of the outgoing crisis, such as police officers nursers or health workers. Children with a cold, however, have been advised to stay at home.

Fewer trains running during peak hours in the Netherlands

The NS has also decided to have fewer trains running during peak rush hours in the Netherlands. This decision was made partly over the announcement yesterday that more people ought to work from home in order to prevent the spread of the virus. While some commuters have expressed dismay, NS reassures that this concerns only a couple of dozen trains and that there will still be options to commute for would-be travellers.

Uitgestorven station in Enschede. Enkel mbo-studenten en werkenden komen en gaan met de trein #rtvoost pic.twitter.com/z7wN2nMDWD

— Teun van der Velden (@teunvdvelden) March 13, 2020

Check out our coronavirus video

We’ve compiled a video in the context of the coronavirus in the Netherlands containing all of the essential information and potential questions you might have over the outbreak. Make sure to also check out our written guide on the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

Dutch colleges and universities are cancelling all lectures, exams and activities involving direct contact till the end of March, the Association of Universities and the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences reported on Thursday, though primary and secondary schools will remain open. 

These measures are in response to the press conference with Prime Minister Mark Rutte yesterday, where it was announced that stricter measures will be taken to combat the coronavirus spread in the Netherlands.

Although physical classes are cancelled, educational activities including paper deadlines will still be adhered to and if possible institutions are encouraged to digitalise their lectures so that students can stay up-to-date with classes. However, this will likely vary from institution to institution.

Primary schools stay open

Primary and secondary schools are to remain open, however, since their cancellation would mean that children would need to stay home and be looked after. This would take many parents out of positions in the public sector that are essential (such as healthcare the GGDs, fire brigade and police) to stay home and care for their children. Furthermore, children are less susceptible to the virus and face less risk.

However, it has been advised that children with a cold should remain home.

More information about COVID-19 in the Netherlands