If the number of positive coronavirus tests continues to decline, then the curfew will end on the early morning of February 10, sources in The Hague have told broadcaster NOS.

The curfew, the first in the Netherlands since World War II, was introduced nine days ago from 9pm to 4.30am. The aim is to reduce social contacts and help stop the spread of coronavirus.

When the curfew was announced, prime minister Mark Rutte said it would run until the second week in February if the positive test rate fell. On Sunday, the public health institute RIVM reported 3,714 positive tests in the 24 hours to Sunday morning, the lowest total since October 1.

Ministers will take a final decision on the curfew at tomorrow’s cabinet meeting, when officials discuss what measures to stop the spread of coronavirus will be phased out and in what order, NOS said.

Ministers have already announced that primary schools and daycare centres can open from February 8, but not secondary schools or after school clubs.

Leaks

Meanwhile, education minister Arie Slob said an investigation has been launched into who leaked formal recommendations about reopening schools from the government’s Outbreak Management Team at the weekend.

‘We want to know who did it and we want to take action,’ Slob said.

Rumours that the schools might reopen, and reports that not everyone in the OMT agreed, led to calls from clarity from teaching unions at the weekend.

Research by the head teachers association AVS found that 79% of members think schools should reopen in the interest of their pupils, as long as this is accompanied by tough measures to ensure teacher safety.