Contacts of Tilburg patient test positive for COVID-19
This morning it was made known that the wife and daughter of the patient in Tilburg had tested positive for new coronavirus. For several other contacts, the test results were negative.
The local municipal health service (GGD) had approached the patient’s contacts yesterday. Because some of these contacts had symptoms that could point to COVID-19 they were tested for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that can cause it.
Since the test results suggested that these two new patients may have COVID-19, they have been kept in isolation at home. The GGD is now also investigating these new patients’ contacts.
The virus can be spread via air droplets, released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To prevent the further spread of the virus in the Netherlands, the GGD is working with National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) to trace anyone who has been in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients. These people will be monitored and must take their temperatures twice daily, reporting the readings to the GGD in their area. They must also report any symptoms they have, and if their symptoms match those of COVID-19, they too will be isolated and tested. These measures reduce the likelihood that the virus will spread further in the Netherlands.