The total COVID-19 cases around the world continue to rise ever since it began early this year. Around the world, it has already reached more than two million and counting.
The majority of countries around the world are already practicing social distancing. Everyone should stay at home to help contain the spread of the virus. But it’s a different story in the Netherlands.
Instead of staying away from each other, Dutch people did not bother about social distancing. This strategy, called herd immunity, aims to protect those who are vulnerable from the disease.
How herd immunity works
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it will adapt the concept of herd immunity. It works by allowing a certain number of people to contract the virus at a controlled pace. The “herd immunity” strategy can also help slow down the spread of the virus.
Rutte mentioned that they are planning to do this while waiting for the medicine to be available. The strategy aims to “slow down the virus… and… build up herd immunity in a controlled manner”.
The main goal is to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable ones. This includes the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health issues.
Unlike in the US, Italy, and other parts of the world, the Netherlands did not initially declare a lockdown. Many establishments are closed, but a lot of people continued their lives like on a normal day. People continued to flock at public parks and coffee shops although the latter only accept takeouts.
Some business owners chose to open their stores despite the imposed lockdown. It helps people calm down amidst all the chaos going on. Still, business owners take extra precautions despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19. They ensure that all surfaces are kept clean and a limited number of customers inside the establishment.
Also the Dutch people supported the idea of herd immunity. After all, the Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe and most likely in the world. Earlier, the UK government also adapted the herd immune strategy, but later decided to shut itself off from the world.
Is this strategy effective?
It is common knowledge that COVID-19 affects the elderly and with compromised immune systems. But based on statistics, COVID-19 doesn’t choose its victims.
So far, it has already affected people of all ages, both young and old. Not to mention that a lot of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic.
Even those who have healthy lifestyles may be carriers of the virus without knowing it. Meaning, they carry the virus but they do not experience symptoms. That means some people might infect others unknowingly. People don’t know if the immunity happens after contracting the virus and how long that so-called immunity will last.
A few weeks ago, Rutte drew back on this strategy and imposed what they call a “lockdown light”. The Dutch government has imposed similar restrictions other European countries have done to manage the spread of COVID-19.
People are advised to work from home, educational institutions and other establishments are ordered closed as well. There is an ongoing travel ban albeit with exemptions. Unfortunately, the herd immunity which was initially imposed by the national government did not seem to work.
COVID-19’s potentially disastrous impact on the Dutch healthcare system
As of April 16, there are already more than 28,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 3,000 deaths. Somehow, the good news is that it did not seem to wreak havoc in its healthcare systems like what happened in Italy and Spain.
However, the mortality rates are still higher than its neighbor, Germany. The Netherlands reported 60 percent higher death rates than Germany. Unlike the latter, the former haven’t done mass testing. This means we may never know the real numbers unless mass testing will be implemented.
Both countries have one of the highest standards in terms of healthcare. But as weeks go by, it seems that the Netherlands might face ICU shortages due to the steady rise of cases. Its neighbor, Germany, already mentioned that they are prepared to accept Dutch patients with COVID-19. There are already some Dutch patients who were transferred to a hospital in Germany due to COVID-19.
Conclusion
All countries around the world have their ways to deal with the ongoing pandemic. Some declared total lockdown and travel bans.
Meanwhile, some countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK adopted the herd immunity strategy. While it may have potential, it did backfire later on.
One thing is for sure: no one is prepared for COVID-19. Even first world countries like Italy and the US got overwhelmed with hundreds and even thousands of deaths a day. It seems that we are only starting and have a long way to go before we finally fight off the virus.
In the meantime, we should have good hygiene and observe physical distancing. Do not go outside unless necessary. More importantly, we should our front liners and each other and hope all of this shall soon pass.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://www.binance.com/en/register?ref=PORL8W0Z
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
zZqUfGRm
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
yPTRbxdtWe
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made