The Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on Corona was in the Drenthe municipality of Norg on March 6 and 7. Committee members spoke with healthcare workers and the elderly. They also visited several entrepreneurs and spoke with people who lost loved ones during the corona period. Central to the discussions were personal experiences during the pandemic. Committee chair Daan de Kort reflected on the visit as a very valuable experience: It was special to experience the sense of community in a Drenthe village and to hear personal experiences from the corona period from the people of Norg. Corona has impacted many aspects, and it is important to include this in our research.
Health During the Pandemic
On location, the committee spoke with healthcare workers about the challenges they faced in their small Drenthe community during the corona period. Differences in the use of personal protective equipment posed significant challenges. There were also tensions due to differing opinions on vaccinations. Later in the day, relatives of people who died during the pandemic shared their personal grief and experiences. A funeral director and a pastor were also present at this discussion. They noted that during the corona period, they not only lost loved ones but also missed out on their mourning process due to the restrictions, which is seen as a significant loss.
The Elderly and Corona
Group discussions also took place with about forty elderly people at community center De Brinkhof. The elderly shared their experiences from the corona period. They mentioned that the natural environment of Norg provided relaxation and comfort. However, some found it a very lonely period, with the constant fear of dying alone.
Entrepreneurship During Corona
The committee also spoke with owners of a supermarket, a shoe and clothing store, and a pharmacy. They visited a primary school, a forest ranger, and various hospitality entrepreneurs on site. The focus was on the personal and professional impacts of the corona policy. A particularly frustrating aspect was the announced expectations during press conferences for potential relaxations that ultimately did not materialize.
Research Approach
The Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on Corona has established a research proposal. Through six research periods and themes, important questions will be answered, and lessons will be drawn. The committee is specifically examining the role of the cabinet and the House of Representatives during the crisis. Various parts of the research will utilize available (scientific) insights and literature. Information is being demanded from departments and other organizations. In addition, the inquiry committee conducts interviews and makes work visits. These visits aim to capture how different groups of people experienced the corona crisis. This is the fourth time the inquiry committee has made such a visit.
Committee Members
The Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on Corona consists of MPs Daan de Kort (VVD - chair), Anita Pijpelink (GroenLinks/PvdA), Peter Smitskam (PVV), and Sander van Waveren (NSC). Read more about the committee on its committee page.