The weekly report from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) reveals that, since the update last week, another 4.036 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 59.973.

Coronavirus situation in the Netherlands

Of the 59.973 people infected, another nine people have died since last Tuesday*, August 4, bringing the death toll to 6.159 In total, 11.994 (+38) patients have been admitted to hospital. As not all people are getting tested, the true number of people infected with the new coronavirus is higher than reported. 

*There may be a delay between the day of death and the day that it is reported.

**Not all the patients reported tested positive, were hospitalised, or died in the past week. Some figures are only reported much later. The data from previous weeks is therefore supplemented to include them. 

Infections across the Netherlands continue to rise

Between Sunday, August 9 and Monday, August 10, 630 people tested positive for the coronavirus. This is the highest increase in a 24 hour period since April 26. Most of the cases seem to be coming from Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Most of the new infections are said to be among young people. 

Furthermore, according to figures from the National Acute Care Network (LNAZ), on Monday, there were 128 coronavirus patients across the country being treated in hospital. This is the highest number since July 2. 

On Tuesday, experts from various backgrounds will come together at a so-called expert-table to discuss current coronavirus measures. There will be around 80 experts in attendance, including professor of security management Ira Helsloot from the Radboud University in Nijmegen, and opinion pollster Maurice de Hond. NOS has published a list of some of the key advice experts have outlined in preparation for the discussions: 

• Clearer distinction between indoor and outdoor measures
• Make use of regional and local measures as much as possible
• Test more and test quicker, share results faster and more efficiently
• Communicate more clearly that measures imposed are temporary and do not constitute the new normal
• Hold regular televised press conferences (again)
• Focus on necessary changes in daily habits (i.e. washing hands more regularly) instead of imposed bans
• Try to actively involve young people and organise activities for them
• Pay health workers more
• Use not only medical knowledge, but also other scientific and experiential knowledge

Register for a coronavirus test

If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, you can get tested to see if you are infected with the virus. You can call 0800 1202 to make an appointment if you have one or more of the following mild symptoms (have your BSN at the ready):

• Stuffy and / or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Fever
• Sudden loss of smell or taste

Contact a doctor if you have severe symptoms or if you belong to an at-risk group.