The number of new COVID-19 cases in the Netherlands appears to be rising again, with figures from the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) revealing that last week’s infection rate was higher than that of the week before. The government’s corona dashboard shows that the R-number has risen slightly to 1,02. 

New coronavirus cases reported in the Netherlands

According to the RIVM, the week of August 23 and August 29 saw the Netherlands report 18.104 positive coronavirus tests, an increase of over eight percent compared to the week of August 16 when 16.732 were recorded. This marks the largest weekly increase since the peak of the fourth wave in July. 

The infection rate differs per region, with GGD Zaanstreek-Waterland (Zaandam and Purmerend) reporting an increase of over 42 percent. Friesland, Gelderland-Midden (Arnhem), Kennemerland (Haarlem), Gooi and Vechtstreek (Weesp and Hilversum), and Hollands Midden (Gouda and Leiden) all recording an increase of over 20 percent.

On August 27, the Dutch government reported an R-number of 1,02, meaning that 100 people infected with coronavirus go on to infect another 102 people. At the start of the month, this figure was below one.

COVID-19 patients and Dutch hospitals

While cases may be on the rise, hospital admissions continue to fall. According to the National Coordination Centre for Patient Distribution (LCPS), on August 29 there were a total of 642 COVID-19 patients being treated in Dutch hospitals, 224 of which were in intensive care. At the start of last week, LCPS reported a total of 678 admissions.

Diederik Gommers, chairman of the Dutch Association for Intensive Care, says that moving forward, the Netherlands will have to ensure that hospitals across the country are equipped with enough intensive care beds. Gommers told Trouw that coronavirus appears to be here to stay, and Dutch hospitals are currently insufficiently equipped to deal with the long-term consequences of the virus. 

RIVM emphasises efficacy and importance of vaccination

The latest news from the RIVM is that coronavirus vaccines are “very effective” against the highly contagious Delta variant, preventing a significant number of hospitalisations and deaths. According to their study, the vaccines prevent 95 percent of hospitalisations and 97 percent of intensive care admissions among fully vaccinated people. 

In spite of this, however, RIVM bosses, Jaap van Dissel and Jacco Wallinga told NOS over the weekend that the vaccination rate among young people could play a significant role in managing the spread of the virus. If more 12 to 24-year-olds don’t get the jab, “it could play a very important, decisive role in the further course of the epidemic,” said Wallinga.