Coronavirus update: 3 dead in the Netherlands

Last week, the first patient in the Netherlands to die from coronavirus was confirmed. Now, a few days later, another two have succumbed to the virus.  

Coronavirus in the Netherlands

According to the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), there are 321 patients infected with coronavirus in the Netherlands; three of these are now deceased. The two recently deceased both had serious underlying medical problems. One was an 86-year-old man admitted to Bernhoven Hospital in Uden, North Brabant, and the other an 82-year-old man being treated at Zuyderland Medical Centre in Sittard-Geleen, Limburg. The source of infection for both of these patients is still being investigated.

Of the 321 people infected with coronavirus, 150 contracted it abroad. The majority had been to northern Italy. At least 74 people have been infected with coronavirus by a patient diagnosed with the virus. The source of infection for the other 90 people with coronavirus is being investigated. A great deal of those infected are now in isolation at home, only 36 are / have been admitted to hospital.

Avoid spreading the infection

RIVM has advised residents in North Brabant to stay at home if they feel sick, have a cold, fever and / or are coughing. For the majority of patients with coronavirus, the source is known. However, many with an unknown source of infection or one that is still being investigated are from or have a connection to the province of North Brabant. In this southern province, there are 90 cases of the virus.

In other areas of the country, the advice remains: if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, respiratory complaints like shortness or breath or a cough and have been to one of the regions listed below, call your GP.

• China (including Hong Kong and Macao)
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Iran
• Italy: the northern provinces of Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino South Tyrol, Friuli-Julian-Venice, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Liguria.