The GGD Zuid Limburg, GGD Limburg-Noord, Province of Limburg and Maastricht UMC + will start an investigation into antibodies and the spread of the corona virus in Limburg from Friday 23 October. The results of the research will provide important information for residents, policymakers and scientists about the virus and its spread in Limburg.
Examine antibodies
GGD focuses on research on antibodies and the spread of corona in Limburg
Many people would like to know if they have antibodies against the virus, also because many people in the first wave were not tested. Policymakers and scientists would like to know more about the spread of the virus and what affected Limburg so badly in the first wave. This is a reason for the GGD to invite 10,000 Limburgers to participate in a scientific study, so that citizens, policymakers and scientists can learn more about the spread of the virus in Limburg. “We hope to gain a better understanding of the reasons why Limburg was so badly hit in the first wave. Which factors influenced contamination, what was the role of public events such as carnival or stadium visits? We also look at existing complaints and how long complaints persist”, Says Prof. Christian Hoebe, leader of this scientific research and also head of the infectious diseases department at GGD South Limburg and professor of infectious disease control at Maastricht University. “We invite people from all over Limburg who are at least 18 years old. From Beekdaelen to the municipality of Peel en Maas, and from Venlo to Eijsden-Margraten.”
Participation in research
Within the Corona Research Limburg, a maximum of 10,000 Limburgers (from 18 years and older) can have themselves tested for antibodies against the corona virus. This way they can find out whether they have been infected by corona before. Participation in the study is voluntary and consists of an online questionnaire and a blood test for antibodies, there are no costs involved. The existing GGD test locations will be equipped with an extra test line for the blood test for possible antibodies of the corona virus. Tests used in this study are additional to the current test capacity. More information about the Corona Research Limburg can be found atwww.ggdzl.nl/COL in www.ggdlimburgnoord.nl/COL. You can register from Friday 23 October.
Province of Limburg supports research
The corona virus and measures have a major impact on society. Deputy Robert Housmans (Social Agenda, Care and Safety), “This research provides important insights and knowledge that can be used to support health policy and measures in Limburg. ” The Province of Limburg hopes by providing (financial) support to this research that it will help to provide clarity and thus peace of mind about the presence of corona and antibodies in Limburgers. “For participants, this research often provides the answer to the question they have been looking for for some time. And that provides sufficient peace of mind and confidence to participate in society again – with due observance of all the rules regarding corona..”
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