Compliance with coronavirus measures will determine further restrictions: RIVM

How well people follow the current coronavirus measures will determine if the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) suggests stricter rules to the Cabinet on Wednesday, RIVM chief modeler Jacco Wallinga and leader of the OMT Jaap van Dissel stated in an interview with NOS.

"You have to see if people stick to the rules that are intended to reduce contact," Van Dissel said. A behavioral study by the RIVM in the upcoming week will show whether people intend to stick to the coronavirus measures.

"We don't want to notice three weeks from now that the restrictions weren't enough. Therefore, it is better to reflect on the measures quickly," Van Dissel said.

Van Dissel said he hopes that people try to reduce contact as much as possible themselves. "You hope that people catch on themselves and not think: it is not yet mandatory, so I won't do it."

The suggestions will determine if the Cabinet instates stricter measures on November 12.

Experts are concerned that ICUs will be maxed out in the winter if the number of coronavirus infections increases. "Since the beginning of October, ICU admissions have been on the rise and the spread is clear," Wallinga said.

The experts said they do not expect another lockdown in the near future.

Since Saturday, there have been stricter measures across the country. Face masks are required in indoor public areas and a coronavirus access pass is necessary for a wider number of locations.

Van Dissel said he thinks it will take years before the Netherlands is rid of the coronavirus. "The Netherlands is a type of hub in Europe with our ship and flight traffic. A huge number of people come in contact and you can imagine this reintroduces the coronavirus and new variants in as well."