Respiratory protection may be introduced in various Dutch regions to stem local outbreaks. This was told by chairperson Hubert Bruls of the Security Council on Wednesday evening after consultation with Minister Tamara van Ark (Medical Care), RIVM and the security regions. A national mouth mask obligation is not yet under discussion.
In brief
- Not clear where and when the experiments will start.
- RIVM repeats that there is no medical evidence that a mouth mask obligation is effective.
- The Security Council, RIVM and the cabinet met after a call from mayors and an increase in the number of infections.
–
–
–
Experiments with local regulations will be further investigated in the coming weeks. In addition to the introduction of a local mouth mask obligation, information campaigns can also be set up.
The local measures should positively influence the behavior of the inhabitants of an area and thus reduce the number of new infections, experts argue.
It is not clear where and when the experiments will start. These are probably areas where many new illnesses are currently being observed, such as in Zeeland, South Holland and North Holland.
No medical evidence for national mouth mask obligation
According to RIVM boss Jaap van Dissel, there is no scientific evidence that the introduction of a mouth mask requirement in public spaces across the country is effective. “Recent studies from various countries have demonstrated this again,” said Van Dissel.
According to the experts, the fact that a national measure is not forthcoming does not mean that the Dutch can sit back. “In certain regions, we see the number of new infections rising faster than normal. Keeping distance remains essential,” says Bruls.
The call for a national mouth mask obligation has become louder in recent weeks. After the number of new infections with the coronavirus had doubled in a week, mayors Femke Halsema (Amsterdam) and Ahmed Aboutaleb (Rotterdam), among others, called for more measures.
Health experts also asked the cabinet in a letter to take additional measures quickly. The experts argued for a mouth mask obligation in the catering industry and for contact professions.
––
–
–
Bruls watches as Van Dissel addresses the press. (Photo: Pro Shots)
Face masks cannot prevent all clusters
However, Van Dissel thinks that a mouth mask obligation cannot prevent the number of contamination clusters from growing. “We often see new infections at family parties, student parties and barbecues. Places where masks would not occur.”
According to him, it was the fourth time that the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has been asked for advice on the use of mouth masks. The latest advice was presented and discussed this Wednesday.
Earlier, the OMT recommended that mouth masks only be required in areas where the one and a half meter rule cannot be observed, such as in public transport and airplanes.
–
