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Outdoor cafe in Amsterdam

Relaxation of COVID measures in The Netherlands, despite growing number of infections

Relaxation of COVID measures in The Netherlands, despite growing number of infections

Fewer people are getting sick, however

Most locations in The Netherlands are allowed to reopen as of today, 26 January, under certain conditions and as quarantine rules are being relaxed. Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister of Health Ernst Kuipers gave a press-conference on national television yesterday to share details on the changes. The relaxation of COVID-19 rules comes in the context of a growing number of infections but fewer hospitalizations.

A major leap towards normalcy in The Netherlands

From today, restaurants, concert halls and theatres in The Netherlands are allowed to open again, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. This also applies to cinemas, museums, zoos and amusement parks. All visitors, however, must show a corona pass, wear facial coverings and have a permanent seat indoors. For cinemas, theatres and catering, while seated, the mask can be removed.

Both indoor and outdoor events are now allowed to take place, as long as a permanent seat can be given at indoor locations. For this reason, festivals have not been greenlighted yet.

The general closing time at 10 p.m. is valid for all locations. The government officials also pointed out that health experts recommended earlier closing time, but mayors and regional safety boards have requested for extended working hours.

Moreover, there is a general limitation on the number of visitors at one’s home, set at 4 people (older than 13) per day, as well as a general recommendation to work from home.

Finally, quarantine rules change for some parts of the population, such as young people under the age of 18 in the education system, employees engaged in essential business processes, as well as those who have had their booster shot more than a week ago or have tested positive less than 8 weeks ago. They will no longer have to quarantine upon contacting a COVID-19 positive person, if they show no symptoms.

The above-mentioned rules apply between 26 January and 8 March, after which the Government will announce if they will be adapted depending on how the pandemic situation is unfolding.

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