"By taking this approach, one in which most people will experience only minor symptoms, we can both build immunity and ensure that our healthcare system is able to cope.
"So that our nursing homes, home care services, hospitals and, above all, our intensive care units don’t become overwhelmed.
And so that there’s always enough capacity to help the people who need it "most. "If we consider the big picture, there are three possible approaches.
"The first is: control the virus as much as possible.
"That should lead to a controlled spread among the groups least at risk.
"That is the approach we have chosen.
"Maximum control means taking measures aimed at reducing the peak in infections and staggering those infections over a longer period.
"By taking this approach, one in which most people will experience only minor symptoms, we can both build immunity and ensure that our healthcare system is able to cope.
"So that our nursing homes, home care services, hospitals and, above all, our intensive care units don’t become overwhelmed.
And so that there’s always enough capacity to help the people who need it "most.
"The second option is that we simply allow the virus to run its course.
"If we did that, our healthcare system would be completely swamped when infections peaked, so there wouldn’t be enough capacity to help vulnerable older people and other high-risk patients.
"And that, of course, is a scenario we must prevent at all cost.
"The third option is that we keep working endlessly to contain the virus.
"That would mean shutting down the country completely.
"Such a rigorous approach may seem like an attractive option, but experts say that this would not be a matter of days or weeks.
"In this scenario, we would essentially have to shut the country down for a year or even longer, with all the consequences that would entail.
"And even if that were possible in practice – making people stay in their homes unless they have permission to go outside, for such a lengthy period – the virus could simply rear its head again once the measures were lifted.
"The Netherlands is an open country.
"Until a vaccine is available, coronavirus will continue to sweep the world, and it won’t spare the Netherlands.
All the advice we’ve received, and all the measures we’ve announced so far, have been aimed at the first approach: controlling the spread as much as possible."
From the website:
""The Netherlands’ approach is essentially to control the virus as much as possible. That should lead to a controlled spread among the groups least at risk. Maximum control means taking measures to reduce the peak in infections and stagger those infections over a longer period. By taking this approach, one in which most people will experience only minor symptoms, the Netherlands can build population immunity and make sure that its healthcare system is able to cope. The aim is to stop nursing homes, home care services, hospitals and, above all, intensive care units becoming overwhelmed. And to make sure they always have enough capacity to help the people who need it most.
"As more people become immune to the virus, it will become harder for the virus to spread. This means the chance of it reaching people in vulnerable groups grows smaller. The aim of population immunity is to build a kind of protective wall around those people.
"All the advice and measures that apply in the Netherlands are aimed at maximum control of the virus."
A much needed dose of logic and sanity.
why is he saying people are immune to it afterwards? Weren’t there cases of people getting it two weeks after they how did the first time?
A much needed dose of logic and sanity.
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Yep... a VERY SENSIBLE approach. Of course the “It’s gonna be as big as the Spanish Flu” crowd would not approve.
Many a fearmongering power-mad State Governor should read and repeat.
Now, imagine if President Trump tried that approach here...
I believe this was the approach Boris Johnson was taking in the UK. He’s since changed his mind. But if the Netherlands continues, we can compare and contrast results.
My family in law in the Netherlands have been in lock down. It’s a pretty dense urban environment. People on top of people. I think they will just eat, drink n be merry.
Their approach sounds familiar:
Everyone in the Netherlands should stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people if possible. This includes in supermarkets, for example.
People throughout the Netherlands are encouraged to work from home or spread their working hours if possible.
Childcare will be provided at schools and childcare centres for the children of key workers, so that these parents can continue going to work.
Schools and childcare centres will remain closed from Monday 16 March to Monday 6 April (inclusive). This applies to primary schools, secondary schools and schools for secondary vocational education (MBO).
Teachers will arrange distance learning for pupils who are at home. Priority will be given to secondary schools pupils and students at schools for secondary vocational education (MBO) who are preparing for their final exams.
Universities and institutions of higher professional education (HBO) are requested to offer online lectures instead of large-scale lectures.
All establishments serving food and drink will be closed to Monday 6 April (inclusive). Food delivery and takeaway services will remain open.
Sports clubs, gyms, saunas, sex clubs and coffee shops will also remain closed to Monday 6 April (inclusive).
All gatherings of more than 100 people have been cancelled.
An internet friend of mine is Dutch. He was on the verge of driving to join his kids, who have all moved to Spain, corona or not. The morning he was planning to leave the Amsterdam area is when the Netherlands closed the border. Now he can’t get out of the country.
We will see how well the best healthcare system in the world works! //sarcasm