This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Immunity covid-19'.



newsletter’s focus is on the coronavirus crisis. The first confirmed COVID-19 case in the
Netherlands was reported on 27 February and the numbers have increased rapidly since then.
The Dutch government has put measures in place to stop the spread. RIVM advises the Dutch
government, monitors the outbreak and conducts research into the novel coronavirus.
How is RIVM advising the Dutch government about the
coronavirus?

In the event of a nation-wide outbreak of infectious disease in the Netherlands, RIVM
coordinates efforts to control the disease. This is also the case during the current outbreak.
RIVM is working closely with experts and representatives from various organisations. Read more
Dutch response to COVID-19
In the Netherlands, one of our main priorities is to ensure that the hospitals, nursing homes and
home care services are not overwhelmed, so there is always enough capacity in our healthcare
system. In addition, we want to protect vulnerable groups. Various approaches have been
considered for how our country can respond to the spread of the virus. The Netherlands has
chosen an approach known as a ‘targeted lock-down’. Read more
Dutch measures to control coronavirus
The government has implemented measures to control the coronavirus outbreak in the
Netherlands. RIVM is monitoring the progress of the outbreak very closely. Any new information
or developments are always incorporated into the advisory reports that RIVM provides to the
Cabinet, so our government leaders can decide whether to maintain the current measures, ease
current restrictions or implement stricter measures. Read more
Testing policy
To control the novel coronavirus, it is important to use our available test capacity and resources
wisely. This is important so that sufficient tests can be administered, both now and in the long
term. Right now, it is not possible to test everyone, because not enough laboratory material
available for certain specific steps in the test procedure. This is an international problem and is
not limited to the Netherlands. Read more
Daily update

RIVM publishes daily updates on the number of patients with COVID-19 in the Netherlands.
These are the confirmed cases that Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) are required to
report to us. We know that the number of people who actually have the virus is higher. This is
because not everyone who may be infected is also tested for the virus. This daily update can be
found here.
Collecting and analysing data
RIVM is carrying out research among families in the Netherlands where someone has contracted
the novel coronavirus. The aim is to gather more information about how long symptoms last, how
long it takes to recover, and how people build up immunity to the virus. In addition, we want to
know if children also pass the virus on to others. See also
Research on families and young people
RIVM is carrying out research among families in the Netherlands where someone has contracted
the novel coronavirus. The aim is to gather more information about how long symptoms last, how
long it takes to recover, and how people build up immunity to the virus. In addition, we want to
know if children also pass the virus on to others. See also
Research on antibodies against the novel coronavirus
Working with Sanquin, the organisation that runs the Dutch blood banks, RIVM is looking into the
extent to which people in the Netherlands have antibodies against the new coronavirus in their
blood. See also
Study on coronavirus herd immunity
RIVM will be carrying out a large-scale study on immunity to the novel coronavirus. This multi-
year study will continuously provide information that is needed to control the outbreak of the
novel coronavirus. By conducting this study, we want to gain insight into how immunity develops
in different age groups. RIVM would also like to know how people remain immune. Read more
Novel coronavirus found in wastewater
The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in wastewater in the
Netherlands, according to RIVM research. A small percentage of patients with COVID-19 have
the novel coronavirus in their gastrointestinal tract, and thus excrete it in their faeces. Read more