I have lived in the Netherlands a bit over a year and half now. Here's my take -
I wouldn’t trust most doctors here as far I can throw them. While I would say universal health care is inherently better than the US, the system here is pretty sub-par for quality. Prior to seeing any specialist you have to see a GP for a referral, and many times they will misdiagnose or flat out refuse a referral. Here’s some paracetamol, now get the fuck outa here.
As far as masks. For months now masks have been required on any public transport. Just recently they are required in certain busy areas in Amsterdam and Rotterdam due to spikes in both cities.
https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/0...dam-rotterdam/
It boggles my mind that masks haven’t been required inside shops here. Went to Germany about two weeks ago and was required to wear a mask inside. Went to Belgium last week and they’re now requiring masks at all times, even outside due to a recent spike mostly in Antwerp. Dutch people are inherently stubborn as fuck though, so I’m not surprised. Every time I go shopping I have to stop myself from yelling at idiots who refuse to social distance, or have to pick and look at every damn zucchini on the shelf before not even buying one.
And surprise surprise, the cases in the Netherlands are starting to rise just as fast as they did in February.
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html...puQMrvdyFHkoEo