The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) reports that, since the last update, another 346 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 2051. Of this number, 485 work in the health sector- where tests are carried out more often.
Of the 2051 people infected, another 15 have died since yesterday, March 17, bringing the death toll to 58. The deceased were between 63 and 95 years old. RIVM previously reported that the youngest to die from the virus was 59- this is false and was due to an administrative error. In total, 408 patients are or have been admitted to hospital.
North Brabant has the highest number of coronavirus infections, namely 759 positive tests. Limburg has the second-highest number of positive tests (265), followed by South-Holland (241).
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.
Are you worried about having symptoms? Read Coronavirus: What are the symptoms and how can you avoid getting it?