In a week of fake news and dodgy data, the Dutch government adopts the Niksen approach to disease control. As Covid-19 spreads through the Binnenhof and two ministers go into quarantine, the friendly folk at Farmers Defence Force turn up on Rob Jetten’s doorstep with a box of meat products and a camera. Coronavirus also starts to hit the football world, while in Venlo VVV put up the weakest defensive display since Ferd Grapperhaus’s wedding. There’s uplifting news too as the baby giant panda in Rhenen is no longer gender neutral and the first flying car is almost cleared for take-off.

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Coronavirus news

No stricter lockdown rules in prospect as hospitals approach patient limit

Coronavirus cases rise 22% in a week, growth continues to slow

Rutte says full lockdown could still be needed to bring infections down faster

More technical problems with coronavirus numbers but cases seem to be slowing

Education minister Arie Slob pulls out of debate after aide tests positive

Jetten says ‘get off my land’ to farmers who brought meat package to his door

Dutch general election will take place over three days to reduce virus risk

Other news

Fewer non-EU students plan to stay in the Netherlands after graduating

‘Irma effect’ boosts interest in training as sign language interpreters

Giant panda is a boy, Rhenen zoo announces six months after birth

Flying car licensed for use on roads but still not cleared for take-off

Sport

Coronavirus outbreaks cast shadow over Eredivisie season

Ajax give away two-goal lead to draw at Atalanta Bergamo

Praise for ‘hungry’ Ajax as champions dish up 13-0 hammering of VVV Venlo

PSV and AZ win despite corona outbreaks but Feyenoord lose in Europa League