King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands visited the Municipal Health Services (GGD) Heart of Brabant in Tilburg this afternoon. He visited at the invitation of the Mayor of Tilburg, Theo Weterings.
The first Dutch case of Coronavirus was diagnosed in Tilburg on 27 February. Several measures had been taken to make sure that the visit was safe for the King and the others. King Willem-Alexander met with the director of the GGD, Karin van Esch, and several other medical experts. They discussed the several phases of the outbreak and the King was informed of the procedures that doctors and nurses have to follow. He was also told how important the relationship with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is and how important it is to collect good data and information.
The King also visited the call centre, where he spoke with employees who are in contact with the public who have questions about the Coronavirus. He also listened in on several conversations. He then went on to meet with representatives of the GGD, the fire department and other representatives.
This has been a rare visit for King Willem-Alexander. He and his wife Queen Máxima are usually kept informed over the telephone. They have continued to show their support and appreciation for all those who are fighting the pandemic on the frontlines.
