UPDATE 28 MARCH HERE

The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) reports that, since the last update, another 1172 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 8603. 

Coronavirus situation in the Netherlands

Of the 8603 people infected, another 112 have died since yesterday, March 26, bringing the death toll to 546. The deceased were between 55 and 97 years old. In total, 2500 patients are or have been admitted to hospital.

North Brabant has the highest number of coronavirus infections, namely 2488 positive tests. South Holland has the second-highest number of positive tests (1249), followed by North Holland (1235).

Social distancing

On Monday, extra measures were announced to curb the spread of the virus on top of those already in place, including the closure of all food and drink establishments, excluding supermarkets, the closure of schools and all fitness clubs and saunas. It's also no longer possible to visit nursing homes. 

The new measures include the ban of all social gatherings until June 1, with the 100-people limit no longer being valid; 1,5 metres of distance to be kept, failure to adhere can result in a fine; and a maximum of three visitors in a house if the 1,5-metre distance rule can be kept, amongst other things. 

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