Coronaviruses generally cause mild respiratory infections in humans. However, we also know the SARS and MERS variants, which cause serious diseases. On Friday 21 February 2020, the Academy organised a meeting on the new coronavirus.
Below are four video registrations of the presentations. Although the current figures have changed a few days after the meeting, the thinking, methods and explanations of this outbreak remain topical.
What are coronaviruses?
Eric Snijder, Professor of Molecular Virology and Head of the Research section of leiden Univerisitair Medical Center's Department of Medical Microbiology
Coronaviruses are common, even in the Netherlands. What is such a virus, how do we get in touch with it and how does your body react when you become infected? Snijder also considers what is now new to the 'new coronavirus'.
From spillover to global threat: science in action
Marion Koopmans, Professor of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam
What are the actual facts from the huge flow of information about the new coronavirus? How serious and extensive is this outbreak? Koopmans also addresses the genetic composition of the virus which helps to determine the source actually.
Is the Netherlands in danger?
Aura Timen, Professor of Crisis Response, Free University Amsterdam and Head of the Centre for National Coordination of Infectious Disease Control RIVM
Where are we now? How do the health organizations look at the spread (transmission) of the virus? What prevention measures make sense to deploy? Is it effective (enough) to quarantine people who are infected? What prevention measures make sense to deploy?
Treatment and Prevention Options
Ab Osterhaus, Professor of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover
The coronavirus that the newspapers are now full of and health organization around the world have their hands full of is not the first virus we are concerned about worldwide. How did that go in previous epidemics? How do you develop a vaccine or drug, which test phases are required? Osterhaus also considers administering existing drugs developed for other diseases
Want to have a look at the video's?
https://knaw.nl/nl/actueel/nieuws/videoregistratie-bijeenkomst-het-nieuwe-coronavirus
