With its decision, the Dutch government adopts the advice of the Outbreak Management Team (OMT). In that advice from the end of last month, the OMT stated that corona is no longer a pandemic, but is in the so-called endemic phase, which means that the virus is part of everyday life.
“It is a special moment. Also to think about it for a while,” said Kuipers. Just over three years ago, the Netherlands had its first corona patient, the minister reminded. “Meanwhile, we are in a different phase. We know that corona is not going away, and the number of patients is also up and down. Fortunately, almost every Dutch person has built up some form of defense.” They have been through the infection and / or received corona vaccinations.
“Fortunately, the number of people requiring medical attention due to serious illness is limited.” According to Kuipers, this means that corona can be dealt with “as we do with other respiratory viruses”.
The minister does call on everyone to be “sensible” and to (continue to) comply with hygiene measures, such as coughing and sneezing in the elbow, washing hands regularly, and ensuring good ventilation indoors. In the event of complaints, people must remain careful and keep their distance from others, especially from “people with fragile health”.