THE HAGUE, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in the Netherlands rose by 80 on Wednesday to a tally of 356, but the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) noted that the virus might be spreading less rapidly than before.
Reported cases in the country added 852 on Wednesday to 6,412. An additional 341 patients were hospitalized, bringing the total to 1,836.
"Over the past few days, the number of new patients admitted to hospital had shown a rising curve," the RIVM stated on its website, adding "That curve now seems to be flattening out. This may indicate a slight decline in how fast the virus is spreading. This is an initial indication. We cannot draw solid conclusions on this basis. It will become apparent in the next few days whether the curve is in fact flattening out."
Based on the figures for the number of hospital admissions, the RIVM uses mathematical models to calculate how fast the virus is spreading. It appears to the RIVM that the virus is now spreading less rapidly in the country. "Here, too, it will become apparent in the next few days whether this slowing trend continues," the RIVM warned.
Schools, childcare centers, eating and drinking establishments, sports clubs and gyms are closed in the Netherlands until at least April 6. Events and gatherings for which organizers normally need to apply for a permit or notify the authorities are now banned until June 1.
People are advised to stay at home and work from home. And everyone should stay at least 1.5 meters away from others.
