NEW UPDATE HERE

The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) reports that, since the last update, another 409 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 2460 Of this number, 594 work in the health sector- where tests are carried out more often.

Coronavirus situation in the Netherlands

Of the 2460 people infected, another 18 have died since yesterday, March 18, bringing the death toll to 76. 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, 489 patients are or have been admitted to hospital.

North Brabant has the highest number of coronavirus infections, namely 870 positive tests. South Holland has the second-highest number of positive tests (312), followed by Limburg (301).

Expectations for next week: 500-1000 people in ICU

NOS reports that the Dutch Organisation for Intensive Care (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Intensive Care) expects 500-1000 people will be in intensive care units across the Netherlands. At this moment, there are 575 beds available for intensive care corona patients, however, this number can be raised to 2000.

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. 

Are you worried about having symptoms? Read Coronavirus: What are the symptoms and how can you avoid getting it?