The Netherlands relaxes corona measures

After there was already more air for the population in Thailand, there is now finally some more freedom of movement in the Netherlands. The government has decided to do so now that the number of infections with Covid-19 is declining. 

From 11 May:

School

• Primary schools, including special (primary) education, day care and host parent care will open on 11 May.

Sport and game

• Children up to and including 12 years old can exercise, exercise and follow activities together outdoors under supervision.
• Young people aged 13 to 18 are allowed to exercise outside with each other under supervision, but with a distance of 1,5 meters between them.
• Outdoor sports in groups are allowed for all ages from May 11, if a distance of 1,5 meters can be kept from each other. No competitions, no shared changing rooms or showers.

Contact professions

• The exercise of most contact professions is possible again. These are driving instructors, (para)medical professions (dietician, masseur, occupational therapist, dental technician, etc.), employees in external care (hairdresser, beautician, pedicure, etc.) and alternative medicine (acupuncturist, homeopath, etc.) .
• Work is organized at a distance of one and a half meters as much as possible.
• We work by appointment, in which the entrepreneur/employee and the customer discuss in advance whether the visit poses a risk.

Libraries

• Libraries are opening their doors to the public again and are taking measures so that visitors can keep a distance of 1,5 meters from each other.

Public transport

• Only use public transport if really necessary, avoid rush hour and give each other space.
• You are advised to wear non-medical face masks on trains, buses and metros. This is mandatory from 1 June.

Face masks mandatory

In some situations it is not possible to keep the 1,5 meter distance. As of 1 June, it is therefore mandatory for travelers and employees in public transport to wear non-medical masks. To prevent scarcity in healthcare, this should therefore not be mouth masks intended for healthcare. An advance check removes many risks for contact professions. Wearing mouth masks is not necessary, but everyone is of course free to use it.

How further

The relaxations as of 11 May are possible because the customers of these sectors mainly come from the neighbourhood. So there will be no pressure on public transport. It is also easy to follow health advice at hairdressers, opticians, pedicures and the like, such as washing hands. Finally, with these expansions, the chance of group formation in the public space is small.

There is also a strong call for relaxation of measures in other sectors, such as the catering industry. The government understands that very well, because the measures demand a lot from us and the consequences are major. That is why the cabinet wants to continue step by step, together with companies and organizations that have made plans for the 1,5 meter society.

Relaxation of measures is only possible if the virus remains under control. The 1,5 meter distance always remains in force. If it is really necessary, a decision to give more space can and should be reversed.

Expected as of June 1

If the virus remains under control, the intention is to allow:

• Secondary education (the way in which will be further elaborated);
• Terraces with seats where a distance of 1,5 meters is kept from each other;
• Cinemas, restaurants and cafes, and cultural institutions (such as concert halls and theaters) are allowed to open, under the following conditions:
  • a maximum of 30 people (including staff) and 1,5 meters away;
  • visitors must book;
  • in a conversation beforehand between the entrepreneur and the customer, it is estimated whether a visit entails risks.
• Museums and monuments are allowed to open if visitors buy tickets in advance, so that the 1,5 meter distance can be controlled.

Because it will probably become busier in public transport around June 1, it will become more difficult to keep a distance of 1,5 meters at some point. That is why everyone is obliged to wear non-medical face masks on public transport from 1 June.

Expected as of June 15

If we keep the virus under control, secondary vocational education (MBO) can again take exams and give practical lessons. A plan is being made to further open MBO in due course and also to reopen higher education.

Expected as of July 1

If the virus remains under control, the communal toilets and showers at the campsites and holiday parks can open again from 1 July. Also, the maximum number of visitors can hopefully be expanded to 100 people for cinemas, restaurants and cafes, cultural institutions. This also applies to organized gatherings, such as church services, weddings and funerals.

Expected as of September 1

If the virus remains under control, the door will also open for fitness clubs, saunas and wellness centers, association canteens, coffee shops, casinos and sex workers.

All contact sports and indoor sports are possible again for all ages. Sports competitions can take place without an audience. This also applies to professional football.

A decision will be made prior to September 1 about events with a large audience, such as festivals and major concerts.

Source: Central government