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The REPowerEU 200 billion-euro plan calls for a gradual reduction of Russian fuel imports
The new Walking and Cycling Index shows that an overwhelming majority want to live in 20-minute neighbourhoods
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The city also added a new bathing area
The programme targets young children whose parents cannot afford to stay home while school is closed
A patient enjoys a VR experience in Rotterdam, while being jabbed against COVID-19, Source: Municipality of Rotterdam
A trial aims to overcome people’s fears of getting the lifesaving shot
Medical innovation in Rotterdam promises to make COVID-19 vaccination a much more pleasant experience, thanks to virtual reality (VR). Local authorities of the second Dutch city reported on Monday of the start of a trial by GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond (a public health service) and Erasmus Medical Centre, for the use of VR glasses during vaccination against coronavirus. The objective - reduce the fear of getting the vaccine by putting patients into a more pleasant, albeit virtual experience.
The virtual reality glasses used in the trial are provided by SyncVR Medical in Rotterdam – a VR platform for the healthcare industry. They project soothing images aimed to put people in a virtual world and distract them from the actual shot – this might involve swimming with dolphins or walking among elephants. The experience is usually so engaging, that the patient forgets he is being pricked, the company representatives explained.
Currently, the trial is only conducted at one pop-up location at Erasmus Medical Centre, at the reception which is open Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 16:00.
According to the regional manager of GGD Mario Papilaja, the fear of needles is one of the reasons that people do not get vaccinated. Thus, the use of VR glasses is aimed to determine whether this obstacle can be overcome and what effect this has on people. Should the trial prove successful, the three partners will study the possibility to expand it to other locations.
And the chances that it will work are good. According to the developer, the glasses have been used successfully many times before: from relieving pain, anxiety and stress reduction to rehabilitation and training of staff. That is an insight gained from their experiences with all Rotterdam hospitals and 120 healthcare institutions throughout Europe.
According to the latest available RIVM data, as of 14 November, The Netherlands boasts a 84.7% vaccination rate (people aged 18 or older who have received two shots) - whereas for Rotterdam-Rijnmond region the figure is only 75%.
The REPowerEU 200 billion-euro plan calls for a gradual reduction of Russian fuel imports
The summer ticket will be valid on local and regional trains, buses, as well as on the U-Bahn and S-Bahn
The Danish studio Bjarke Ingels Group won the international architectural competition
The city also added a new bathing area
The new Walking and Cycling Index shows that an overwhelming majority want to live in 20-minute neighbourhoods
Explore the underbelly of the city’s most iconic site in the moonlit hours
The REPowerEU 200 billion-euro plan calls for a gradual reduction of Russian fuel imports
Close engagement initiatives with the business sector and residents were key to spreading the idea across the board
The new Walking and Cycling Index shows that an overwhelming majority want to live in 20-minute neighbourhoods
The city also added a new bathing area
The installation of the sensors is part of its “Smart Museum” project
Authorities want to do away with the passive status of nature in the city
These will be spread across 11 EU countries and will serve to support the EU Missions
The European Commission has accepted to develop the idea
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