Some 550,000 people have so far signed a petition calling on the Dutch government to scrap the coronavirus pass system in ‘all its forms’.

The petition was launched on Friday by a group calling itself Onverdeeld Open (undivided open) which has been spearheaded by former CDA leadership hopeful and MP Mona Keijzer.

The coalition counts politicians, academics and people from the world of culture among its backers. It claims the coronavirus pass system causes more damage than it prevents and imposes limits on constitutional rights. In addition, the coronavirus measure in place are failing to stop the virus spreading further, the petition states.

Researchers at Delft University recently published research showing that the coronavirus pass has a limited impact on reducing new cases. Nevertheless, health minister Ernst Kuipers has said that everything which dampens the spread of coronavirus and keeps hospital admissions down is useful.

The Dutch government has, however, decided not to press ahead with plans to introduce a 2G system for access to cafes and events, pending further research.

Under 2G, only people who have been fully vaccinated or have very recently had coronavirus, would qualify for a coronavirus pass to some locations.

The plan was first mooted last year but there is no majority in parliament in support, and the coalition ChristenUnie are opposed.

Boosters

From Tuesday, more than half a million people who have had two coronavirus vaccines will have to take a test to go into bars, restaurants and cinemas because they have not yet had a booster dose.

Coronavirus passes are longer be available for people who had their second dose more than nine months ago and certificates proving recovery from a recent infection from now expire after six months.

Under the Dutch ‘Test for Entry’ system anyone who does not qualify through vaccination will have to show proof of a negative antigen test taken in the last 24 hours.

At the moment there is no expiry date for booster vaccines.

Travel

The rules were brought in as part of plans to harmonise coronavirus rules for travel through the EU, but countries still apply widely varying ‘test for entry’ standards within their borders.

The coronavirus pass is a key tool in enabling foreign travel, particularly within Europe.

The Telegraaf reported on Monday that the recommendation not to give booster doses to teenagers will have a major impact on school trip plans. France, Germany and Italy are among the countries requiring people have boosters to access museums and restaurants.

However, the government has not yet said whether or not it will adopt the health council’s recommendations.