Reporting obligation

COVID-19 is a notifiable disease pursuant to Article 26 of the Dutch Public Health Act (Wet publieke gezondheid). This means that if someone tests positive for COVID-19, this must be reported to the GGD. However, there is no obligation to report COVID-19 deaths. Nevertheless, it is the task of the GGDs to obtain information from reports as complete as possible (including death); the other information relating to reports may however be delayed or unexpectedly underreported.

Cause of death reporting is mandatory according to Article 12A of the Dutch Burial and Cremation Act (Wet op de lijkbezorging). The death cause certificates are received by CBS at a later stage.