The approach to tackling coronavirus in the Netherlands

Main points of Dutch approach: maximum control of the virus

On 16 March Prime Minister Mark Rutte gave a television address in which he explained the Netherlands’ approach to tackling coronavirus.

The Netherlands’ approach is essentially to control the virus as much as possible. That should lead to a controlled spread among the groups least at risk. Maximum control means taking measures to reduce the peak in infections and stagger those infections over a longer period. By taking this approach, one in which most people will experience only minor symptoms, the Netherlands can build population immunity and make sure that its healthcare system is able to cope. The aim is to stop nursing homes, home care services, hospitals and, above all, intensive care units becoming overwhelmed. And to make sure they always have enough capacity to help the people who need it most.

As more people become immune to the virus, it will become harder for the virus to spread. This means the chance of it reaching people in vulnerable groups grows smaller. The aim of population immunity is to build a kind of protective wall around those people.

All the advice and measures  that apply in the Netherlands are aimed at maximum control of the virus.