The weekly report from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) reveals that, since the update last week, another 67.388 people in the Netherlands have tested positive for COVID-19, the illness that is caused by the new coronavirus. 

Coronavirus situation in the Netherlands

Of the people infected, another 583 people have died since last Tuesday*, December 22, bringing the death toll to 11.244. Another 1.811 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.

New COVID-19 mutation in the Netherlands

The new strain of coronavirus, first discovered in the UK and now coined by the Dutch press as the "British coronavirus," is spreading, albeit very slowly, in the Netherlands too. According to figures from the RIVM, there have been 11 reports of the new mutation in the Netherlands so far: five in Amsterdam, five in Rotterdam, and one in Nijmegen. 

The RIVM state that there is still much to be discovered about the new mutation, and together with the GGD they are investigating the properties and spread of the "British coronavirus" in the Netherlands.

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.