With Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge set to host another coronavirus press conference on Friday, the weekly report from the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) shows that the number of new infections in the Netherlands continues to fall.

Infections in the Netherlands fall, hospitalisations stabilise

Tuesday’s update from the RIVM revealed that, between August 4 and August 10, 18.048 new infections were reported, a decrease of around 3.000 compared to the week before. Of those whose vaccination status was known, 71 percent were unvaccinated, while 17 percent were only partially vaccinated.

Figures from the National Coordination Centre for Patient Distribution (LCPS) also show that the number of coronavirus patients being treated in Dutch hospitals has stabilised over the past week. As of August 10, there were 686 COVID-19 patients in hospital (four fewer than the day before), 214 of which are intensive care. 

The government’s coronadashboard also shows that the R-number remains well below one, at 0,79. This means that 100 people infected with coronavirus go on to infect another 79. 

Coronavirus press conference on August 13

Speaking to the press on Monday afternoon, Rutte acknowledged that the numbers were going in the right direction, but highlighted the importance of (self)testing in preventing further spread of the virus.

Five weeks after the last coronavirus press conference, the Prime Minister said there was “no reason” to introduce additional restrictions at this time. However, he and De Jonge will address the public once again on Friday, August 13. “We hope to provide as much clarity as possible about the coming weeks on Friday, but the virus is unpredictable," Rutte explained.

Thumb: Hung Chung Chih via Shutterstock.