What was in the news about the coronavirus today? An overview of the most important events.
The cabinet has announced an extensive package of new and tightened measures to combat the virus. Prime Minister Rutte does not want a full one yet lockdown speak, but it does not matter much.
For example, all meetings are until June 1 prohibited, including those with less than a hundred people. The police will also issue fines if people do not comply with the rule in the open air or in shops to keep at least 1.5 meters away.
People are also affected by the measures behind their own front doors. The regulation states that a maximum of three people will visit. And if someone has a fever, all family members should stay at home.
Events
According to minister Grapperhaus, no decision has yet been taken on education and the catering industry, sectors that are now closed until April 6. However, it is already clear for many events that the consequences are major. For example, celebrations of 75 years of freedom on May 4 and 5 will not continue. Muslims must also put an end to joint celebrations of the Sugar Feast at the end of May.
It also seems impossible that the national football competitions can be completed in a regular manner, but the KNVB does not want to make any statements about this yet. This will be discussed tomorrow.
Fewer new deaths, more hospital admissions
Regarding the number of new corona cases in the Netherlands, RIVM reported today a decrease compared to yesterday. 34 people were killed, compared to 43 the day before. The number of infections also rose less rapidly than yesterday. 4749 corona patients have now been registered, of whom 213 have died.
In the past 24 hours, 242 corona patients ended up in the hospital, which is a daily record. In total, 1,230 people have now been admitted or have been admitted.
RIVM also released a more detailed explanation of the figures today. Which showed that at least half of the deceased had an underlying condition. Most often it concerned cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.
Erasmus MC in Rotterdam has started a national coordination center for the distribution of patients and bed capacity. From there, healthcare providers check how many IC beds are available for corona patients every morning.
Ban on contact for British
Stricter measures have also been announced in the United Kingdom and France. Immediately, British are only allowed to go out if there really is no other option, Prime Minister Johnson said in a TV speech.
One reason to leave the house, for example, is to buy basic necessities. Furthermore, the British are only allowed to take to the street with one other at a time, with the exception of family members.
From tomorrow, the French can only go outside once a day for no urgent reason. Markets are also banned throughout France.
World Health Organization chief Tedros said in a news conference tonight that the pandemic is accelerating. More than 300,000 people are infected worldwide. This happened to 100,000 of them in the past four days.
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