The Netherlands has published a record number of new coronavirus infections every day since Monday, an increase that Dutch officials describe as “terrible in substance,” as the country joins much of Europe suffering with a momentary wave of Covid-19.
The Netherlands recorded 2,777 new coronavirus infections on Friday and 2,544 on Thursday, Reuters reported, nearly double its previous record of 1,394 cases, which was set at the height of the April outbreak in the country.
Cases in the Netherlands have accumulated since early August, weeks after the country reopened restaurants and lifted the soft restrictions it had set in the spring, however, the country is now experiencing an immediate accumulation of cases and hospitalizations.
Between 15 and 22 September, the weekly number of instances in the country rose through more than 60%, and the percentage of coronavirus tests rose from 3. 9% to 6. 1%, above the 5% threshold that the World Health Organization considers controlled.
Dutch bars, restaurants, schools and gyms remain open and, unlike peak European countries, the Netherlands has resisted so-called non-easy masks in crowded public spaces, arguing that they are not effective if other people use them incorrectly.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte plans to implement new restrictions to control the spread of the virus next week, he did not specify the new rules.
6,287. This is the total number of coronavirus deaths in the Netherlands, according to Figures from the World Health Organization. Despite the recent accumulation of cases, the daily death rate in the country remains low, reporting fewer than 10 consistent new deaths. with the day.
When the coronavirus first hit the Netherlands in March, the country did not impose a complete blockade such as France or Italy, but kept the outlets open and allowed citizens to leave their homes freely, opting only to close businesses face-to-face such as restaurants and hairdressers. This “smart lockdown” system, reflecting Sweden’s debatable strategy, was designed for immunity against the virus among younger and less vulnerable citizens. The Netherlands eventually recorded more covid-19 infections consistent with cápita than some of its neighbors in the spring, however, the country began reopening restaurants and schools when the virus began to subside in May. Today, as businesses recover particularly and businesses and schools remain open, the country faces new restrictions.
“The numbers are frankly terrible,” Prime Minister Rutte said Friday. “In short, the scenario is very concerned and will force us to take more action. “
The Netherlands is the only European country where coronavirus cases are increasing. Spain and France are grappling with a momentary wave of the virus after lifting their strict restrictions over the summer, leading governments in both countries to close restaurants in some spaces and urge citizens to stay home.
Why Dutch Lockdown Can Be High Risk (BBC)
Dutch cooperation has succeeded in a “smart lock” (Bloomberg)
While viruses are spreading in Europe, hospitalizations are delayed, but for how long?(New York Times)
I’m a last-minute news reporter in Forbes. Previously, I covered local news for the Boston Guardian and graduated from Tufts University in 2019.
I’m a last-minute news reporter in Forbes. Previously, I covered local news for the Boston Guardian and graduated from Tufts University in 2019. You can contact me jwalsh@forbes. com.