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Nederland in harde lockdown door Covid-19: waar ging het mis?

Vanaf gisteren zit Nederland in een harde lockdown. Het AD: “Lang was een harde lockdown iets voor andere landen, wij deden het ‘intelligent’ of ‘gedeeltelijk’. Maar nu pakt het kabinet toch de grote hamer en gaat Nederland een maand lang bijna helemaal op slot. Waar ging het mis?”

Daarbij noemt het AD 4 redenen:

  1. Gedrag: de pure angst is weg
  2. Scholen: ‘kinderen wellicht onderschat’
  3. Seizoenseffect: ‘Speelt zeker mee’
  4. Beleid: ‘Te traag, te laat’

Social Distance

Het artikel noemt dat in het begin van het jaar veel mensen thuis bleven vanwege angst zelf corona te krijgen. Nu blijkt dat niet iedereen met covid-19 meteen op de IC komt, is deze angst verdwenen. Daarbij is de rek er bij mensen uit, om gedragsregels na te leven.

Dat uit zich in het feit dat mensen veel minder thuis blijven: meer winkelen, meer reizen en steeds vaker op het werk. Daarbij wordt tevens de social distance niet altijd in acht gehouden: naast het zoveel mogelijk thuis blijven het handhaven van de social distance een van de voornaamste manieren om covid verspreiding tegen te gaan.

Een andere reden is dat de verspreiding van Covid bij kinderen, vooral die tussen 12 en 18 jaar, onderschat is. 8,5% van de herleidbare besmettingsbronnen van de afgelopen week was te herleiden naar school of kinderopvang. Daarnaast is het moeilijk grip te krijgen op de verspreiding onder de jeugd: de meeste jongeren hebben geen of slechts milde klachten. Daardoor kunnen ze corona binnen het gezin en verder verspreiden, die op hun beurt kwetsbare groepen als ouderen kunnen besmetten.

Seizoenseffect

Het artikel: “Weer en klimaat spelen een rol, zegt Osterhaus, al durft hij er geen gewicht aan te hangen. ,,De combinatie van temperatuur, uv-licht en vochtigheid telt mee, ik weet het zeker. Bovendien zitten we meer binnen bij kou en hoesten we elkaar eerder aan. Maar hoe groot het seizoenseffect is weten we nog niet. Feit is dat ook in warme landen dit virus nog altijd problemen geeft.”

Beleid te traag?

“Osterhaus zegt het al maanden, ic-boegbeeld Diederik Gommers pleitte er afgelopen weekeinde ook voor: de regering moet sneller reageren op de curve van het virus. Dat betekent: harder ingrijpen als aantallen oplopen, maar ook eerder versoepelen als corona een tandje terugschakelt.”

Wij durven geen uitspraken te doen of het beleid te traag was. Wel: wanneer Nederlanders de maatregelen als zoveel mogelijk thuis blijven en het handhaven van de social distance hadden nageleefd, zou er waarschijnlijk geen lockdown nodig zijn geweest.

Advanced Solutions Nederland kan helpen met het handhaven van de social distance op het werk, openbare gebouwen en scholen. Juist in situaties waar de social distance wel eens vergeten wordt, kan een covid buzzer helpen. Daarnaast is de Covid Airmex ontwikkeld: een device die controleert of de temperatuur, luchtvochtigheid, vluchtige stoffen en co2 optimaal zijn om de verspreiding van het covidvirus zoveel mogelijk tegen te gaan.

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Netherlands in lockdown due to spread of Covid-19: where did it go wrong?

As of today, the Netherlands is in a hard lockdown. The Dutch Newspaper AD: “For a long time a hard lockdown was something for other countries, we did it ‘intelligently’ or ‘partially’. But now the cabinet takes the big hammer and the Netherlands is almost completely locked up for a month. Where did it go wrong?


The AD mentions 4 reasons:

  1. Behavior: the pure fear is gone
  2. Schools: ‘children perhaps underestimated
  3. Seasonal effect: ‘Definitely plays along’.
  4. Policy: ‘Too slow, too late

Social Distance


The article mentions that in the beginning of the year many people stayed at home. Because of fear of getting corona themselves. Now it turns out that not everyone with covid-19 immediately comes to the ICU, this fear has disappeared. In addition, people are stretched to comply with the rules of conduct.

People stay at home much often: they travel and shop more and are more often physcial at work. At the same time, social distance is not always taken into account: in addition to staying at home as much as possible, maintaining the social distance remains one of the main ways to prevent the spread of covid.

Another reason is that the spread of Covid among children, especially those between the ages of 12 and 18, is underestimated. 8.5% of the last week’s traceable sources of infection could be traced back to school or child care. In addition, it is difficult to get a grip on the spread among young people: most of them have no or only mild symptoms. As a result, they can spread corona within the family and further, which in turn can infect vulnerable groups such as the elderly.

Seasonal effect

The article: “Weather and climate play a role, says Osterhaus, even if he doesn’t dare hang a weight on it. “The combination of temperature, UV light and humidity counts, I’m sure. What’s more, we’re more indoors when it’s cold and we’re more likely to cough at each other. But we don’t know yet how big the seasonal effect is. The fact is that even in warm countries this virus still causes problems”.


Policy too slow?

“Osterhaus has been saying it for months, ic figurehead Diederik Gommers also argued last weekend: the government must react more quickly to the curve of the virus. That means intervening harder when numbers increase, but also more flexibly when the corona slows down a bit”.


We don’t dare saying whether the policy was too slow. Still: if the Dutch had kept the measures at home as much as possible and maintained social distance, there would probably have been no need for lockdown.

Advanced Solutions Netherlands helps to maintain social distance at work, public buildings and schools. Especially in situations where the social distance is sometimes forgotten, a covid buzzer can help. In addition, the Covid Airmex has been developed: a device that checks whether the temperature, humidity, volatiles and co2 are optimal to prevent the spread of the covid virus as much as possible.

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Largest number of Covid-19 infections in 1 day worldwide

While in the Netherlands and some other countries Covid-19 is increasing because people don’t follow regulations like social distancing and wearing a mask properly, Covid-19 has set a worldwide ‘record’ today.

WHO reports 284,196 new Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours (July 24). This is a record for the highest increase of corona infections in 1 day. The largest increases were in the US, Brazil, India and South Africa. The previous ‘record’ was one week ago, at July 18.

There were 9,753 deaths, the highest number since April 30. The average number of deaths per day is also increasing: in July 5,000 persons; in June 4,600.

Social distancing, wearing a mask properly and solutions like a covid buzzer help to fight Covid. Find out how we can help you: the Covid Buzzer

#Covid19awareness #Covid19 #Covid-19 #CovidBuzzer #stayhealthy #socialdistancing

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Covid 19 Infections increasing in the Netherlands

Second wave of Covid with hot spots? Or the continuing of the first wave?

At this moment, there’s an increase of Covid-19 infections in the Netherlands. Where the R was below 1, it’s now 1,29. No wonder, it’s busier in the streets, the social distancing easily ignored. Out of Covid-19 tiredness, or simply because the infection rate was going down. So, now it’s 1.29 and there’s a little panic. Because: we don’t want the lockdown again. First there where 6 hot spots, now almost hundred. “Do the corona-hot spots have to be in a local lockdown? Yes, says a vast majority of the Dutch”.

A dense, heavily interconnected population: 1 huge hot spot

It seems we like to explain complicated matters with 1 single number. As if with ‘100’, there is something we can work on, something to contain. That could have been true, when the Netherlands would have been made of quite isolated places. Let’s say a little bush or moor here and there, bring on the fire department and extinguish every fire. Alas, with the dense and in normal circumstances -in the normalized circumstances right now-heavily interconnected population, the ‘100’ bush fires are more like 1 huge dried out bush, where already 100 little fires are going on. Dried out, because like many other countries, many Dutch show they are weary of the Corona regulations. Gathering in large groups are getting common, social distancing ignored. People are wearing their mouth cap under the chin, or put them under the chin while phoning.

Most infections occur at home, according to RIVM. This means that family members infect each other. In recent weeks, contact research has increasingly shown that people also spread the virus at work, during appointments with friends, at parties or in cafés. (Scientias, in Dutch).

Second Corona wave, or still the first one?

Trouw, a Dutch Newspaper: “Infection rates are rising sharply. Is the Netherlands at the beginning of a second corona wave?” Yes, in the Netherlands we have reached an infection rate of 0.6 at its lowest point. Now it is 1.29. So, do we have to be afraid of a second wave? No, we’re still in the middle of the first one. Of course, as a population who has been in lockdown and until now quite successful, we want to have something as reward. Unfortunately, the first corona wave has never been extinguished. Contained by the lockdown, yes. But remained among the population, and probably will not go away anyway until there is a vaccine.

Social Distancing remains important. Solutions like good marking, mouth caps and Covid buzzer help. Find out more about our: Covid Buzzer

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Aerosols a possible or probable third way of Covid 19 infection, not the only one

A few days ago, the New York Times headlined ” 239 Experts With One Big Claim: The Coronavirus Is Airborne”. At least in the Netherlands, some people are focusing on these aerosols as more are less the only source of infection. According to them, Social distancing would have no use. Should we stop with washing hands, route marking and solutions like the covid buzzer? What does Morawska really say in her article?

Now, Morawska c.s. have publiced their article. In this, she focusses on aerosols as a third way of possible/probable Covid 19 infections, besides direct contact and large droplets:

“Inhaling small airborne droplets is probable as a third route of infection, in addition to more widely recognized transmission via larger respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.”

“Inhaling small airborne droplets is probable as a third route of infection, in addition to more widely recognized transmission via larger respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. … We believe that the use of engineering controls in public buildings, including hospitals, shops, offices, schools, kindergartens, libraries, restaurants, cruise ships, elevators, conference rooms or public transport, in parallel with effective application of other controls (including isolation and quarantine, social distancing and hand hygiene), would be an additional important measure globally to reduce the likelihood of transmission and thereby protect healthcare workers, patients and the general public.”

Read the full article

In other words: they mention aerosols as a possible / likely distributor of Covid 19, so not as the only explanation. They also mention the widely accepted distributions due to the large droplets and direct contact.

Social distancing remains important, solutions such as washing hands, good marking and covid buzzer help.

Covid-19-keep-corona-distance social distance covid buzzer to stay healthy

Read More about Covid Buzzer:

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Frequent mutual contact most important risk situation for Covid-19

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The Dutch Newspaper De Gelderlander (June 16) headlines: “Where is the virus, am I safe, am I at risk?” The newspapers write this article in response to the major demonstrations in Amsterdam and Rotterdam two weeks ago. The social distancing measures were not adhered to, as if Covid-19 did not exist. They continue: “Half the country shuddered at the sight of a full Dam. Two weeks later, the coast seems clear. Where are we at risk? Time for a mid-term review. “

The newspaper concludes that there are relatively more infections in South Holland.

Then: “Can we have big events again?” The 2 large demonstrations did not cause a major virus outbreak. That is why many hope that large events can be organized again. “Don’t do it, experts warn … The virus is not yet gone, so such events are big risk moments. The more often you organize those, the more likely it will lead to infections”

Risk situations: frequent mutual contact

Based on various outbreaks, there appears to be 1 major risk situation: places where there is a lot of mutual contact. In addition, the newspaper mentions the outbreak in 2 mosques. Besides, they mention the outbreaks in meat processing and fruit growing. “It is clear that sectors with many migrant workers, who often live close together, are hit harder.” In addition to employees, people who regularly visit these companies were professionals who tested positive, such as drivers.

Finally, the newspaper concludes with the WHO’s warning that places where fruit and meat is traded have risks of major outbreaks. After no new Covid cases were found in China for 2 months, there is currently another outbreak in Beijing.

1.5 meters: Social Distancing remains important

Many companies such as offices and factories are currently investigating how they can safely reopen their company for their staff and visitors. Events, cultural institutions and the catering industry also want to offer the safest possible environment. It remains important to keep 1.5 meters away. If you want to learn more how a social distance badge, the covid buzzer can help, visit Covid Buzzer

Covid-19-keep-corona-distance
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How to maintain the social distance in a Museum with the Covid Buzzer

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As of 1 June, many museums in the Netherlands have reopened to a limited extent: a maximum of 30 people can enter at the same time and they must be kept at least 1.5 meters apart. From July 1, this capacity will be increased to 100 people, if there are no problems. Under which conditions this will happen is not known. In any case, museums and events will have to ensure that the 1.5 meters is maintained.

Many museums are taking measures to provide visitors and employees with a safe environment. Find out how the Covid Buzzer can help.

Maximum capacity and time slots

The most obvious measure is to limit visitor numbers at the gate: visitors sign up for a time slot. A museum usually calculates the capacity per time slot on the basis of the available space. In any case, until 1 July, 10m2 must be available per visitor. The average duration of a museum visit is then also important: on the basis of its capacity and the average duration, the museum has an indication of the number of time slots required and the mutual overlap of these time slots.

Irregular spread

However, visitors will not be regularly scattered around the building. It is likely to be busy at some parts of the building: at entrances, wardrobes, toilets, museum shops, etc. And the same applies to the absolute top pieces: the pieces that all visitors want to see and want to view for quite some time. Museums have created walking routes and have made capacity planning that takes into account crowds at the ‘hot spots’ and where an extra security guard must be placed.

Self-regulating power and more capacity with the Covid Buzzer

Offering “experience” is an important condition for a successful museum visit. Visitors also want to feel welcome in Covid time. Many visitors will understand that for safety reasons they may be led through 1.5 rows along the top piece with a distance of 1.5 meters. For the rest, they will prefer to design their visit as much as possible themselves.

When visitors are enjoying themselves, they may forget to keep a distance. In addition, there will unfortunately always be visitors who do not want to take other visitors into account at all.

The Covid Buzzer helps visitors keep 1.5 meters social distance. By having every visitor wear a Covid Buzzer, these problems are solved. This goes off when visitors come within a radius of 1.5 meters. The Covid Buzzer can also offer a solution for the masterpieces, by letting visitors ensure that they keep a distance of 1.5 meters. And employees can address those who do not obey the rules several times.

Covid Buzzer: Simple, reliable and no privacy issues

 The simple solution to keep a safe distance between each other. Everyone in the office, factory or elsewhere where many people gather, wears a buzzer. As soon as the buzzer meets another buzzer within a radius of 1.5 meters, a warning signal follows. The buzzer is completely anonymous, so there are no privacy issues involved. Thanks to UWB technology, the Covid buzzer has 10 cm accuracy.

Government rules after July 1; proof for 1.5 meters

As mentioned, the regulations are still unclear after 1 July. Much will depend on the extent to which museums and other visitors attracting institutions appear to be able to comply with the 1.5-meter provisions.

With the Covid Buzzer, museums show that they are actually able to adhere to the 1.5-meter stipulation.

Covid Buzzer

Read More and order the Covid Buzzer now

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Work and recreation in times of Covid-19: The Covid Buzzer

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The last months, due to Covid-19 factories, offices and institutions have been closed or been working on less power. Now, factories and offices want to open again. In the meantime, it is clear that Covid-19 will be with us for a long time. Employers want a safe as possible environment for their employees and visitors, as well as healthcare institutions and tourist and cultural providers. In addition, companies have a legal obligation to ensure a safe environment. And to take measures where necessary, so that the social distance is respected.

The Social Distance Badge is the device with which the 1.5-meter distance can be maintained. Simple, safe and without privacy issues

Work and recreation in times of Corona

For whom, what, why?

  • Factories
  • Construction and installation sites
  • Logistics: ports, warehouses
  • Transport (train, airports, busses)
  • Offices and Facility management
  • Healthcare
  • Touristic, sports and cultural sites and events

Factories

Factories and offices want to open again. Where offices can still choose by letting employees work from home, factories do not have this luxury. At assembly lines, many people are working together, concentrated to carry out their work. Then the 1.5 meter social distance may be ignored.

Construction and installations, logistics and transport

Employees are also unable to work from home during construction and installations. Many employees work side by side and close together. The employee will often need his focus to perform his work accurately and pay attention to other forms of safety, for example to prevent him from slipping or falling down. Employees can then forget to maintain the 1.5 meter social distance. The Social Distance badge helps to remind the employee to keep distance.

Offices and facility management

In the last months, many employees of offices have worked at home. But for social bonding and the well-being of employees, it’s important that employees are regularly present in the office. And not every office has the option to offer working from home.

Employees walk from workplace to company restaurant and meeting and back again. And meanwhile, facility managers walk through the entire building. Then it is important to keep the 1.5-meter distance, since 1 employee can spread the Corona-19 virus in the entire building.

Healthcare

For some groups, Covid-19 is particularly dangerous: the elderly and people who already have a condition. It is important for them that social distance is maintained. By clients, staff and visitors. In addition, some residents must be reminded to keep 1.5 meters.

Tourist, Cultural, Recreational, Sports sites and events

Visitors get mixed up, are enthusiastic and forget to keep their distance. Or are there visitors who do not take the 1.5 meter into account and thus pose a risk. With the Social Distance Badge, you can safely open again.


Guaranteed 1,5 meters distance

All employees (and customers or visitors) receive the SD badge upon entrance. This is worn around the wrist or neck. The SD Badge continuously scans its environment for other badges via a so-called Ultra Wide Band signal. This signal provides the most accurate distance measurement. As soon as 2 (or more) badges are less than 1.5 meters apart, they give a warning sound and/ or light signal. This allows everyone to keep enough distance. As soon as there are another safe 1.5 meters, the signal will stop.

Read more and order now: https://covidbuzzer.com

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Covid19: UK is the poor man of Europe, as EU searches for intelligent social distancing technology

Continuing with our Analytics team study of the Corona virus on Western European countries, we present our findings for data up to week 19 (5 May).

As discussed in previous articles, the UK had a one-week head start on its neighbours. Therefore, shifting the UK data left by six days, we obtain an interesting picture of the UK’s situation:

As seen, all countries with the exception of the UK report a slowdown in the number of confirmed cases. Where, France’s (black) data is clearly starting to level off. This suggests that the EU’s social distancing measures are having a positive impact, and that many EU countries may shortly be able to lift their lockdown measures. Although social distancing rules will still apply for the months ahead.

Since the UK left the EU back in January, they have had the freedom to define their own testing measures, which are not the same as other EU countries. This clearly changes the ball game. And as such, any objective comparison is flawed, as it is no longer possible to perform a like for like comparison based on the data alone.

As countries start to ease their lockdown measures, there is high degree of nervousness regarding a sudden increase in confirmed cases.  In all cases, social distancing and better hygiene has been the key to containing the virus. However, new technology that respects people’s privacy is urgently required for intelligently enforcing social distancing and lift lockdown.

Intelligent social distancing enforcement

ASN’s track and trace and people tracking technologies are excellent privacy sensitive solutions for enforcing social distancing measures for both indoor and outdoor environments, achieving an unprecedented system reliability of 99.98% in factories, offices, restaurants, parks and schools. Please contact us for more information. 

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