The number of people who tested positive has increased by 60% in the past week. Minister Hugo de Jonge officially speaks of a second wave of corona infections. What can you do to prepare properly?
Request a DigiD
Not everyone still has a DigiD login code, ‘only’ 13.7 million Dutch people have the code. With a DigiD you can log in to this government website, request a corona test and view the results. When calling is difficult, you have a second option. It takes a few days before the code is in your house, so it is useful to request it in advance.
Install the CoronaMelder app
The CoronaMelder app is an addition to the source and contact research of the GGD. This allows you to be warned if you have been near someone who is infected. You may have been infected by that person, even if you don’t have any symptoms yet. You can have a test done (if possible, with the crowds in the test streets), or decide independently to go into quarantine. This prevents you from unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. Fully functional the app is unfortunately not yet, he will not really start working for the whole of the Netherlands until mid-October and not just in the test regions. The second problem is that the underlying law has not yet been passed. The Senate is expected to consider it on October 6. But you can already install the app now. The CoronaMelder app can be downloaded in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Get extra soap and handgel at home
Good hand hygiene helps to reduce the risk of contamination, according to the RIVM. So make sure that every tap has a pump with hand soap. On the way you can disinfect your hands with a hand gel. Choose a good quality, here are advice.
Wash / sew / buy mouth caps
They are mandatory in public transport, sometimes the hairdresser asks for them and it is possible that an obligation is introduced for certain circumstances. Anyway: it is useful to have a mouth cap at home. Discomfort when wearing a face mask can often be prevented. Here you can read how you can prevent fogged glasses when wearing a mouth cap. Here’s how to prevent skin irritation. That’s how it is with sports and mouth caps. A handy pattern for sewing a mouth cap yourself can be found here.
Get some extra groceries at home
There may still be packs of first wave toilet paper in the garage, but it doesn’t hurt to wait until the last sheet. After all, during the first outbreak, toilet paper had disappeared from the supermarkets. A few extra packs of macaroni, cans of green beans or other non-perishable items can also give you a feeling of peace of mind. Handy if you suddenly get complaints and want to quarantine that the pantry is not empty. Don’t forget the paper towels. They are still getting recommended for the RIVMbecause they reduce the risk of infection.
Be reserved with outings and holidays
The government advises to stay at home as much as possible if you have a vulnerable health and avoid crowded places. Meetings of more than 50 people know limitations. But a trip to Germany or Belgium can also be problematic, it can mean that the first two holiday weeks consist of quarantine. North and South Holland in particular have additional restrictions. Read here how it is.
Do not give up
Especially if the lockdown was a difficult period in the spring, the second wave can feel like a looming danger. Try to make it as comfortable as possible at home. Here are tips for not gaining weight and here are tips for staying mentally strong.
