Stockpiling food but still shaking hands: DutchNews.nl readers on coronavirus

More than half of DutchNews.nl readers think the government is not doing a good job in combating coronavirus and 16% of you think we should be prepared for the worst, according to an online survey of over 1,600 readers.

Just 12.5% of you think the government is acting appropriately and that it is important not to over-react.

‘The Netherlands is a very small but densely populated country and that is why the virus is spreading here faster than in our neighbouring countries,’ said one reader, asked what they thought about the government response. ‘I feel as if the country is not taking any serious measures to stop the spread!’

The survey was carried out before the government introduced its latest recommendations, which apply nationwide, and which state everyone showing even the slightest symptoms should stay home.

Nevertheless, the survey shows that the government’s hygiene recommendations are still far from being universally followed, with 10% still not washing their hands regularly and 22% continuing to shake hands.

It also reveals that over half of you who have had contact with a health official felt that you were not being taken seriously. Fewer than 20% of you felt that your questions had been answered thoroughly.

Testing

In particular, many of you were concerned about the lack of testing. ‘I called the RIVM phone line, but the person was not helpful,’ one reader said. ‘I called the doctor, and the receptionist said that if I have not travelled to an affected area, or had contact with someone who tested positive, then I do not have coronavirus. The doctor would not see my son, even though he has a fever and cough.’

A number of international students also commented. ‘Many of us are without health insurance and are scared and /or ashamed to inform authorities,’ one reader said. Others said they were worried about attending busy lectures and the lack of extra hygiene measures. Universities have now suspended all exams and physical teaching until at least the end of the month.

The self employed are also facing particular problems. ‘I support myself with my work and I could not afford having to close my business because I wouldn’t have any income,’ said one entrepreneur. ‘I’m stressed about it and feeling anxious, especially because the type of work I do involves keeping close contact with people. I think the information, support and solutions for people like me are basically non existent.’

What the new coronavirus measures mean for you

Coronavirus in the Netherlands, the questions you want answered

The survey also found that over a quarter of respondents were already stockpiling food an other essential supplies. Some 36% of you have cancelled holidays, 27% are working from home and 12% of you have self-quarantined.
Almost seven in 10 of you are also avoiding busy places.

Nevertheless, some of you were concerned that friends or co-workers were not taking the threat seriously. ‘And if your manager is one of them, you do come to the office unless you are really sick,’ said one. ‘I am not afraid of the virus but I do not want to be sick because of people who think it is all over-reacting.’

Dilemma

‘There’s too much misinformation to wade through,’ said another. ‘If people are coughing, or showing cold symptoms they should stay at home and not infect others in the workplace or public places, regardless of whether it’s coronavirus.

‘People are on both ends of the spectrum – being over the top and stockpiling, or not bothering to change anything. This makes the situation worse and puts the fragile part of society at risk.’

Many of you also told us you are frightened about what is going to happen next. ‘It’s scary,’ said one reader. ‘I think “well at least it’s not me as I’m 40”, but then I realised that my otherwise healthy husband has a (stable) heart condition and there’s a 1 in 10 chance that if he gets it he will die. Now I’m more cautious, but probably it’s still not enough.’

‘It’s causing me to feel depressed,’ said another reader. ‘But it’s also helped me to focus on what’s important in my life (my family and friends), and prompted me to spend more time really talking and listening to those people.’