Coronavirus update (March 20): 2994 confirmed cases
By Manja van Kesteren
The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) reports that, since the last update, another 534 people in the Netherlands have tested positive for COVID-19, the illness that is caused by the new coronavirus. This means that the new total of infected people is 2994. Of this number, 725 work in the health sector- where tests are carried out more often.
Coronavirus situation in the Netherlands
Of the 2994 people infected, another 30 have died since yesterday, March 19, bringing the death toll to 106. The deceased were between 63 and 95 years old. In total, 643 patients are or have been admitted to hospital.
North Brabant has the highest number of coronavirus infections, namely 1012 positive tests. South Holland has the second-highest number of positive tests (405), followed by Limburg (366).
Speech King Willem-Alexander
The NOS reports that King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands will address the country tonight at 19:00 in response to the corona crisis. This speech will be broadcast on NPO 1, NPO Radio 1, NPO Nieuws and nos.nl.
Stay at home
Extra measures were announced to curb the spread of the virus. These include the closure of all food and drink establishments, excluding supermarkets, the closure of schools and all fitness clubs and saunas, amongst other things. It's also no longer possible to visit nursing homes.
Are you worried about having symptoms? Read Coronavirus: What are the symptoms and how can you avoid getting it?
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Managing Editor at IamExpat Media. Manja studied English and Creative & Professional Writing at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK. She has been working as a content editor and SEO copywriter since 2007, in both the English and Dutch language. As any writer should, she is VERY passionate about books, as well as arts and crafts, Netflix, metal music, cheese, and her silly guinea pigs.Read more