Coronavirus continues to sweep across the Netherlands and the globe. Here’s up-to-date information, as it happens, on COVID-19 in Holland. The Netherlands reported its first confirmed case of coronavirus on February 27, 2020.

THE LATEST: Coronavirus update: record high with 1,379 new cases in the past 24 hours

The Dutch health authority (RIVM) have moved to weekly updates of coronavirus figures. This page is updated every Tuesday as official figures are released.

Current figures COVID-19: September 9 – 15, 2020

Total confirmed cases of coronavirus to date: 84,071 (+ 8,265 in last week) Total deaths in the Netherlands to date 6,267 (+14 in last week) Hospitalisations to date 12,333 (+92 in last week)

Last updated: 16:15, September 15, 2020.

Note: Each Tuesday, the numbers for the preceding week become accurate. Usually, Tuesdays have the highest numbers of the week because of this. Weekends and public holidays can all cause delays in testing data.

New measures announced

The government has created a risk three-level system for measures in different parts of the Netherlands.

Level One — Vigilant: subject to normal measures

subject to normal measures Level Two — Worrying: infections are rising, worrying situation with additional regional measures that would help to stop the spread.

infections are rising, worrying situation with additional regional measures that would help to stop the spread. Level Three — Serious: Strict measures to protect vulnerable people and manage the healthcare system.

Already, six regions will be classed as a Level Two: Amsterdam-Amstelland, Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Haaglanden, Utrecht, Kennemerland and Hollands-Midden. They are subject to the following restrictions as of Sunday, September 20, 6 pm:

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Bars must close at 1:00 AM, and no new people can be let in after midnight (when the music also stops)

No more than 50 people in one group, including for weddings.

However, demonstrations, funeral, religious events, and schools can have more than 50 if they can demonstrate how they will abide by measures. These must have authorization.

Other specific regional measures will apply in these individual regions. See the measures here.

What should I do if I think I have coronavirus?

If you do have symptoms you should self-quarantine. If you have a fever or a cough, you and your housemates should stay home for 72 hours after the symptoms have stopped. You should also get a coronavirus test (see next section).

Have groceries and other essentials delivered or dropped off by friends or family. If you have no choice but to go outside with symptoms, wear a face mask so you don’t risk infecting other people.

How to get a coronavirus test in the Netherlands

You can receive a coronavirus test if you have any coronavirus symptom(s). First, you must call 0800-1202, or make an appointment online using your DigiD. Then, if deemed necessary, they will refer you to a testing center. Some test locations are only accessible by car.

You must stay at home until it is time to go to your appointment. You have to bring your ID and confirmation of your appointment with you. A staff member will collect a mucus sample from your throat and nose using a cotton swab. This can be uncomfortable, but shouldn’t hurt. It normally takes up to two days to get your results.

READ MORE | Your top 10 coronavirus testing questions in the Netherlands, answered

If you test positive, the local health center will undertake source and contact tracing to identify anyone you may have been in contact with.

If you do not have any symptoms, you will not be tested. There are some private clinics that offer testing for a fee.

What national measures are currently in place?

The Netherlands has reopened most businesses, subject to restrictions on the number of people inside. Nightclubs remain closed. The Dutch government has standard social distancing measures still in place:

Student houses need to make rules about how they are going to reduce the spread.

Supermarkets will potentially open only for vulnerable people at certain times.

More checks outside, illegal parties will be stopped (all regional measures)

For children under the age of 12 with mild symptoms, there’s no need to be tested, and they may attend school. This avoids missing school or taking up valuable testing capacity.

Ensure a minimum distance of 1.5 metres away from other people where possible, including in supermarkets.

You may have a maximum of 6 people visiting your home at one time. They need to be able to keep 1.5m distance from each other.

Work from home wherever possible.

Those in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and immune-compromised people, should avoid gatherings and public transport.

Wash your hands often.

Cough and sneeze into your elbow.

Avoid busy places, and travel outside of peak hours if possible.

You must make a reservation at a restaurant (you can do this at the door) and leave your contact details in case an infection is traced to the establishment.

In addition to the national measures in place, municipalities can also implement their own measures. For example, Amsterdam has requested that people only come to the capital if they absolutely have to— not for a day trip. Previous measures by Amsterdam and Rotterdam to wear a face mask in busy zones have been cancelled.

What can I do to reduce the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands?

It’s not just up to the government: we all need to do our share to slow the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands. Here are some tips for how you can help out:

Download the CoronaMelder app to assist in contact tracing. This app is being gradually rolled out across the Netherlands, but everyone can download it now in preparation for when it becomes fully operational.

Avoid crowded areas,

keep a safe distance from other people and when outside,

avoid touching your face, especially the T-area where your nose and eyes are.

If coughing or sneezing, do so in your elbows.

Avoid handshakes and kissing people three times on the cheeks.

Virologists suggest that you should be extra vigilant about taking public transport.

If you really need to go somewhere, then take public transport. Just make sure you stay at a safe distance from other people, that you do not touch your face after touching objects outside (such as handles in the tram), and that you wash your hands with soap as soon as you get back home.

As of June 1, a face mask is compulsory on public transport. You can be fined €95 if you don’t wear one.

If you’re in a risk group, don’t take public transport. And of course, if you’re sick just stay at home.

I’m stressed about coronavirus in the Netherlands, help!

While the coronavirus is something to be taken seriously, there is also no need to overreact, panic excessively or compulsively buy toilet paper.

Odds are that even if you do get the coronavirus, you will not die, nor will you have a severe form of it. So unless you are very old, have a bad immune system or already have dangerous pre-existing conditions, you will probably not have a terrible case.

In fact, statistically, the majority of people don’t need hospitalisation and fully recover. But, we’ve all experienced bad cases of the anxieties before, so we prepared a nice little coronavirus anti-anxiety fact list to ease your nerves.

Where can I find more information about COVID-19 from the officials?

The official source for information on coronavirus in the Netherlands is RIVM (Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).

The most up to date information can be found on the RIVM website. This article is also constantly updated with the most current information.

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

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