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NS to reduce number of trains due to the coronavirus during peak hour

Vedika Luthra
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Starting Friday, the NS will have fewer trains during rush hours since less commuters are expected than usual. This is a response to Prime Minister Rutte’s call to work from home yesterday to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. 
Already in North Brabant, an NS spokesperson said there were fewer passengers during rush hour in the past week compared to before the outbreak of the virus in the Netherlands.
The spokesperson continues that tighter measures around the coronavirus outbreak means that it is now “extremely much quieter” at stations and in trains. The NS staff has taken photos of these ‘ghost towns’:

Although the NS understands that their might be some public outcry about this decision, due to fears of overcrowding of the few trains that do run, the spokesperson assures that this won’t be the case since it only concerns ‘a few dozen’ trains.
The NS also wants to take into account its staff – and in order to prevent infections, it will deploy train personnel only where necessary.
More information about COVID-19 in the Netherlands

For more information, be sure to check out our guide to coronavirus in the Netherlands to stay up-to-date with the most recent information.

You can also watch our video, where we touch upon questions like how did coronavirus come to the Netherlands? What can you do against it in daily life? Is the Netherlands properly prepared for a COVID-19 pandemic?

Are you planning on commuting via trains in the next few weeks or will you be working from home? Let us know in the comments!
Feature image: Michael Coghlan/Flickr

Netherlands reacts: ALL events with more than 100 people cancelled, but schools stay open

Vedika Luthra
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Netherlands reacts: ALL events with more than 100 people cancelled, but schools stay open

A press conference was held in the Netherlands today with Prime Minister Rutte, Minister Bruins of the ministry of health and Jaap van Dissel, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Control (RIVM). It’s all about the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country and more serious measures are now being taken.

According to van Dissel, there are new developments of the virus spreading throughout the country. The days of trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are now over- new, more measures are needed to mitigate coronavirus in the Netherlands.

These are the new measures:

  1. The Dutch government has announced that all events will be cancelled if attendees total more than 100, including all sports events. This will be the case until the 31st of March.

    Football matches are cancelled, amateur matches are cancelled, church meetings are cancelled – worksshops and seminars at our offices are cancelled too. If you have an event, cancel it.

2. Stay at home if you have a cough, cold or fever. Only call the GP if your condition gets worse.

3. Work from home as much as possible.

4. Universities are to stop large lectures, but schools will not close, as the government notes that there are not many risks involved in these areas and the social consequences are too large – for instance, children will then need to be supervised by parents, who are needed for the workforce- especially those in necessary positions (i.e. police and nurses).

5. People who are in a risk group, the elderly, are urged to not use public transport.

6. Healthcare workers must come to work unless they have complaints or develop any of the symptoms.

7. Limit your visits to people at risk, in other words, don’t visit the elderly.

More measures regarding the heavily impacted province of North-Brabant will be announced later today.

Some other advice

This is serious business people, and not just a little ‘flu’. The Dutch government is counting on people themself to make wise decisions as well. Cancel your birthday party, take a bike instead of public transport, wash your hands, don’t do any unnecessary travel, flatten the curve. We’re all in this together.

For updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Feature Image: Canva/DutchReview

Number of coronavirus cases rises to 614; will schools be closed?

Vlad Moca-Grama
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Number of coronavirus cases rises to 614; will schools be closed?

The Dutch government has had a slow response to the ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus. Worldwide, countries are shutting down borders, closing schools and other institutions, banning public events and quarantining large areas. 

RIVM reports that the cases detected today have risen to 614, which is an increase of 111 cases from yesterday. It’s unclear as of now how the number relates to the decision by the GGD to only test one member of the family, instead of looking at individual cases.

School leaders demand that educational institutions close

RTL Nieuws reports that the General Association of School Leaders (AVS) has demanded from the government that they close all schools throughout the country, as a way of limiting the spread of the virus. This is a policy that has already been implemented elsewhere in European countries, even in countries that have a much lower number of cases.

Crisis meeting at the government

While earlier on Monday, Mark Rutte has said that he will not implement further actions to prevent the spread of the virus, the cabinet has met at 1:00 PM today in order to decide what is the best course of action to limit the spread of the virus.

The meeting will involve relevant ministers and will take place at the Ministry of Justice and Security. A press conference is scheduled to take place afterwards, we’ll keep you updated.

Check out our coronavirus video

There’s much information out there about the coronavirus, so we’ve decided to compile them into a video in regards to the coronavirus in the Netherlands. You can also check out our list of frequently asked questions about the coronavirus.

And if you’re feeling a little anxious about the coronavirus overload, this article might help. 

For updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

 

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

Warmer weather forecasted next week, could this mean less coronavirus?

Vedika Luthra
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Warmer weather forecasted next week, could this mean less coronavirus?

Here’s a bit of uplifting news to shake up your newsfeed after weeks of despair – temperatures are expected to rise in the Netherlands next week, making circumstances slightly more averted towards the coronavirus.

Better say goodbye to your hopes and dreams of one winter wonderland day this winter- temperatures will reach 12 C this Sunday, and from then on will average 15 C next week, according to RTLNieuws.

And that incoming warmer weather might be good for the soul and body:

What does this mean for the coronavirus pandemic?

Well, in general flu season is cut short by the debut of summer according to research. However, in the case of coronavirus where much is still unknown (i.e. how it can be cured, what exactly it does), so it’s unsure whether or not heat will have an impact.

However, if COVID-19 is like any other virus, it is likely that warmer weather will slow down the spread.

And even if that isn’t the case, when the sun’s out, so is everyone else – this in turn reduces the spread of the virus since people are more widely dispersed instead of closely grouped together indoors. Furthermore, the virus stays in the air for less time during the summer due to humidity as the particles attract more moisture, become heavy and fall to the ground quicker, thereby reducing its chances of spreading, according to National Geographic.

But it should be noted that even if the virus is temporarily lowered due to the heat, if public health officials do not succeed in suppressing it properly or eradicating it, it could return – that too, with with even more tenacity. So it’s better to knock it out as soon as possible.

More information about COVID-19 in the Netherlands

For more information, be sure to check out our guide to coronavirus in the Netherlands to stay up-to-date with the most recent information.

You can also watch our video, where we touch upon questions like how did coronavirus come to the Netherlands? What can you do against it in daily life? Is the Netherlands properly prepared for a COVID-19 pandemic? 

And if you’re feeling a little anxious about the coronavirus overload, this article might help. 

For updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
Feature Image: StockPhoto/Pixabay

Coronavirus: the Netherlands considers its relaxed approach to the outbreak ‘the best approach’

Vlad Moca-Grama
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Coronavirus: the Netherlands considers its relaxed approach to the outbreak ‘the best approach’

The coronavirus is now officially a pandemic, according to the World Health Organization.

While other countries are closing down their borders, quarantining entire areas and banning international travels, the Netherlands is still taking a relaxed approach, reports NOS.

RIVM recommendations

Currently, the only advice from the RIVM (Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) is still very much the same as it was last week. Wash your hands, avoid handshakes and to stay at home in case you feel you have a cold.

Slightly stricter measures apply in Noord Brabant, where its recommended to avoid social contact with others, with some events in the province being cancelled.

So, given the strong measures implemented by other countries, shouldn’t the Netherlands pick up the slack and also do more about the outbreak? According to crisis management experts, everything is still alright, the only thing that needs to be done is that the government needs to improve their communication about the situation, the experts stated to NOS.

‘Dutch approach considered the best approach’

Marco Zannoni, who is the director of the Institute for Security and Crisis Management considers that it is best to follow the advice of experts (in this case, the RIVM) and that the approach to the crisis needs to be done based on expertise, not on emotion.

Ira Helsloot, from the Crisis Lab of the Radboud University, goes as far as to call the Dutch approach the only right one. He sees tougher measures such as the quarantining of provinces as too extreme and damaging.

Mr. Hesloot then goes on and calls Italy’s approach ‘dumb’. In his vision, the coronavirus will soon be gone, but the economy will be deeply affected given Italy’s intense measures to contain the outbreak.

Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands, said on Monday, during a conference about the coronavirus, that he is not planning on taking tougher measures for the time being. He considers that the Dutch people are down to earth people and that they do not want symbolic measures against the virus.

Government ought to communicate more about the crisis

Zannoni and other experts consider that the government should communicate more clearly about its actions, especially given the fact that the differences between the Dutch approach and other countries are becoming obvious.

According to Helsloot, even the decisions that have been communicated might not have reached all people, such as (elderly) parents, who are a vulnerable group.

The biggest challenge for the Netherlands according to Zannnoni is for the government to have the ability to continue justifying the measures they are taking (or lack thereof).

So, how are you feeling about these messages from the Dutch experts?

For updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Feature Image: EU2017EE Estonian Presidency/Wikimedia Commons  

 

Trump announces travel entry ban on Schengen area, effective Saturday

Vedika Luthra
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Trump announces travel entry ban on Schengen area, effective Saturday

The United States is introducing a travel ban for the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen area, the NOS reported, including the Netherlands. The ban will enter into force this coming Saturday at 4.59 am CET and will remain for a duration of 30 days.

The entry ban is supposed to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the US. However, this restriction does not apply to the UK. Furthermore, American citizens and permanent legal residents will not face restrictions (although additional screening might apply on entering the US).

Of course, this travel ban is causing a lot of confusion and uncertainty (and it’s an outright blow if you had a nice trip to the States coming up in the next). A further announcement by the US administration made clear that the ban wasn’t applicable to cargo flights.

Obviously the travel industry is going to take an unprecedented hit with this travel ban. And it’s still somewhat unclear if you’re guaranteed to get your money back if you have to cancel or rebook.

COVID-19 hits hard

The coronavirus has now spread to more than 100 countries. Consequently the WHO has now declared the virus as a pandemic, although epidemiologists have said this for weeks now.

Furthermore, as a result of the virus stock shares have, as a consequence of this ban, have decreased around the world.

In the Netherlands, the region of North-Brabant is the first to cancel public events (such as football matches) due to the coronavirus and urge people to work from home, although other regions will likely follow.

More on the coronavirus

For more information about the coronavirus in the Netherlands, be sure to check out our guide to stay up-to-date with the most recent information.

You can also watch our video, where we touch upon questions like how did coronavirus come to the Netherlands? What can you do against it in daily life? Is the Netherlands properly prepared for a COVID-19 pandemic? 

And if you’re feeling a little anxious about the coronavirus overload, this article might help. 

For updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
Feature Image: The White House/Flickr

Coronavirus update: 121 new patients with coronavirus in the Netherlands, total number now at 503

Vlad Moca-Grama
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0
Coronavirus update: 121 new patients with coronavirus in the Netherlands, total number now at 503

Coronavirus numbers have gone up ever since the first case was reported on the 27th of February and today was no different. The numbers have skyrocketed to 503 in total, after 121 new cases were reported by RIVM today.

Yeah, that’s no good.

The GGD is only testing one person per family

It’s been recently revealed that the GGD (Municipal and Regional Health Service) will only test for the coronavirus on one family member, instead of the whole family. This could potentially mean that there are more cases than have actually been reported in the Netherlands.

It’s not yet known why the GGD has decided to look at the virus strictly at the family level, rather than at the individual level. One thing is certain however, it appears that not enough people are tested for the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Check out our Coronavirus video

In the context of the virus appearing in the Netherlands, we’ve made an instructional video with all you need to know about the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

For updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Feature Image: leo2014/Pixabay

Train traffic trouble: very few trains between Leiden and Amsterdam

Vlad Moca-Grama
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0
Train traffic trouble: very few trains between Leiden and Amsterdam

If you are going to Amsterdam or Haarlem from Leiden, you might find yourself slightly bamboozled, as the train traffic in that direction has been greatly reduced due to a problem with an overhead cable.

The cable collapsed last night on the train tracks, causing damage, reports NU. ProRail workers are currently working on repairing the damage.

Most sprinters and intercity trains do not run to Amsterdam from Leiden

Most train traffic in that direction no longer reaches Amsterdam, trains are instead stopping either in Hoofddorp or Haarlem.

To make up for the issue, commuters have the options of taking buses that run between Heemstede-Aerdenhout and Leiden and between Hoofddorp and Leiden.

The problem is expected to be fixed by 4:30 PM today, but check out the NS website to see exactly how your commute is affected.

Has your commute been affected by this accident? Let us know in the comments.

Feature Image: Natydphoto/Pixabay

North-Brabant cancels public events due to coronavirus, citizens advised to work from home

Vedika Luthra
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North-Brabant cancels public events due to coronavirus, citizens advised to work from home

Coronavirus infections have officially reached 382 as of today. Four people have died. Numbers are rising. So this week, safety regions in North Brabant have cancelled all major events including football matches and concerts.

After a consultation on Tuesday, security regions decided that no major public events will take place in the region. In particular, these include all professional football matches, fairs, and festivals (including carnival parades).

Furthermore, on Monday the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte advised those in Brabant to work from home when possible to avoid spread of the virus. The Prime Minister also advised called against shaking hands for the same reason.

Because the region accounts for a large proportion of those infected with the virus, that seems fair. Perhaps the rest of the country should follow in the same way to assuage the spread of the virus.

More about COVID-19 in the Netherlands

How did coronavirus come to the Netherlands? What can you do against it in daily life? Is the Netherlands properly prepared for a COVID-19 pandemic? This and plenty of other pressing questions you might have about coronavirus in the Netherlands are all answered in this video by DutchReview.

And if you’re feeling a little anxious about the coronavirus overload, this article might help. And maybe even this one about the Dutch being, well, not so great with washing their hands.

For updates on coronavirus in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
Feature Image: Image: Kurt Woyte/Wikimedia Commons

Incredible weather update: we might finally get some sunshine!

Vlad Moca-Grama
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0
Incredible weather update: we might finally get some sunshine!

We went through one sad mild winter, which was like a prolonged miserable autumn without the beauty of the colours of the leaves. But finally (fingers crossed!), we might have some good weather incoming.

While today has been a regular boring grey day, from Thursday onwards the sun will shine throughout the day. There will only be 10 degrees Celsius and a bit of wind, but the weekend has some warm surprises reserved for us, reports RTL Nieuws.

We’re really happy to have some slightly good news after the stress of coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Sunshine?!

Friday will have some showers, but after three storms in a row in the weekends, prepare for some sunshine! Saturday will be a sunny and dry day and according to some weather models for Sunday, we might even get 20 degrees celsius. The odds for 20 degrees is small, but we have our fingers crossed, anything is better at this point than these foggy and cold days.

Thankfully, this upwards trend in temperature will continue for next week too. There will be sunshine throughout and we might have next Thursday 15 degrees celsius. Bring on that beach weather!

Excited for some good weather? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature Image: Lars_Nissen_Photoart/Pixabay

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