The Netherlands extends restrictive measures until 20 April

In response to the third coronavirus wave

The government of The Netherlands decided on Tuesday to extend the existing restrictive measures until 20 April, at least. This is in response to the accumulating evidence for a third wave of the coronavirus, namely – the increased number of infections and the rise in the number of coronavirus patients in intensive care units. There is, however, one measure that will be alleviated: as of 31 March, the curfew will start one hour later, from 10 p.m.

Restrictions in force in The Netherlands until 20 April

In particular, the rules in force in the country are the following:

• Do not receive more than 1 person aged 13 or older at home per day;
• Visit a place outside home no more than once a day;
• Work at home whenever possible;
• Only go out with people who live in your home or go outside with a maximum of 1 person who does not live with you;
• The visitors for special occasions are capped at 50 for funerals and 30 for weddings.

Most places are closed, such as:

• Theatres, concert halls, cinemas and casinos;
• Zoos and amusement parks;
• Places where people practice sports, such as gymnasiums and swimming pools;
• Saunas and wellness centres;
• Restaurants and cafes are only open for delivery or takeaway only.

Essential shops (that sell food, beverages or drugs) remain open; contact professions (other than sex workers) are allowed to work. These include hairdressers, beauty salons, masseurs, driving instructors. Hotels are open, but it is not possible to order food – it has to be delivered to your room.

Furthermore, the advice against travelling abroad remains in force until 15 May, which comprises the period of the Easter holidays. With regards to travelling, next month the cabinet will start trial trips abroad together with the travel and transport sector. These should provide insight into how soon it will be possible to go on holiday to other countries safely.

The only positive change announced yesterday is that the curfew will start an hour later from Wednesday, 31 March. This means that from that moment on, everyone will have to stay indoors between 10 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. Shops that mainly sell food may then be open until 9.45 pm. This applies, for example, to supermarkets and pick-up locations for food and beverage outlets.

At a press conference on 13 April the authorities will announce their decision on the measures to apply after the abovementioned date.