Dutch coronavirus death toll rises by 34, fewer positive tests

The death toll from coronavirus in the Netherlands rose by 34 to 213 overnight, the public health institute RIVM said in its Monday update.

In addition, 545 people tested positive for the virus, the second day in a row that the number of positive tests has declined. Most positive infections continue to be in Noord Brabant – 1,558 – followed by the provinces of Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland.

In total, 4,749 people have now tested positive for coronavirus in the Netherlands but the figures are not considered a good tool for looking at the spread because only people with serious symptoms and healthcare workers are currently being tested.

This weekend, RIVM officials said the impact of measures taken in the Netherlands to reduce the spread of coronavirus should be seen this week.

‘We think we are already seeing the first effects and that is hopeful,’ the RIVM’s Jacco Wallinga told broadcaster NOS. ‘But we have to see real change this week. Then everything will be a little clearer and we can see if we will make it.’