The weekly report from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) reveals that, since the update last week, 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 51.146.

Coronavirus situation in the Netherlands

Of the 51.146 people infected, another eight people have died since last Tuesday*, July 7, bringing the death toll to 6.135. In total, 11.892 (+16) 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. 

Emergency coronavirus legislation

The Dutch government's controversial emergency coronavirus legislation (coronanoodwet) has been submitted to Parliament after extensive revisions. The law would be a temporary coronavirus act that would be in place for at least six months and is aimed at providing a legal basis for measures taken against the spread of the coronavirus. 

The legislation states people are required to keep a safe distance from one another (but doesn't specify 1,5 metres), and outlines that the government can ban certain events or close businesses, such as restaurants, by law.

The act faced backlash as many feared it gave the government too much power over the actions and lives of people. Despite several changes made to the proposal, including removing a rule that would allow local authorities to enforce coronavirus measures in people's homes, many members of parliament are still critical of the act.

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.