Coronavirus in the Netherlands: new government measures

Photo: Brandon Hartley
Photo: Brandon Hartley

The Dutch government introduced a raft of new measures to combat coronavirus on March 23. These include:

  • All gatherings to be banned up to June 1, but an exception will be made for funerals and religious ceremonies with fewer than 30 people, if the 1.5 metre rule can be kept.
  • People should remain home unless they have to go out to work, to do shopping or to care for other people.
  • You can go out for a walk to get some fresh air, but not in a group. Keep 1.5 metres away from other people.
  • No more than three people should visit in your home at the same time, and only then if they can keep 1.5 metres apart
  • If any member of a family is ill, the entire family should stay home, apart from people in an essential profession.
  • Shops and public transport companies must take measures to ensure people remain 1.5 metres apart.
  • Companies which do not comply can be fined €4,000.
  • Services which involve direct contact with others, such as hairdressers and nail bars, are closed until April 6. Casinos are also being closed down.
  • Mayors have the power to close areas where people gather in larger groups, such as parks and beaches. People who do not stick to the rules can be fined €400.

Earlier measures include:

  • Schools and daycare centres are to be closed up to and including April 6
  • Schools and daycare centres will provide supervision for the children of healthcare, public transport and emergency service workers, so they can continue to work.
  • Teachers will organise distance learning for children who are at home, with priority for children who are due to take final exams this year.
  • Cafes and restaurants, but not hotels, are closed up to and including April 6
  • Sports clubs, fitness centres, gyms and sex clubs to close up to and including April 6
  • Work from home if possible or stagger your working times.

Ministers have said they will announce whether measures introduced to run up to April 6 will be extended within ‘plenty of time’.

Read the official government website.

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