The Netherlands is tightening coronavirus restrictions for two weeks

The new rules come into force this evening, Wednesday 4 October, at 10 pm

Dutch society has managed to halt the spread of the coronavirus, but harder efforts are needed to make it disappear – this is what Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge summarised at a press conference held in the evening of 3 November. That is why, they announced a further tightening of the existing measures as of Wednesday, 4 October, at 10 pm for a period of two weeks.

The Netherlands plans a month ahead

The weekly coronavirus update from the National Institute of Public Health of the Netherlands for the week of 28 October-3 November shows a slight decrease in the percentage of positive tests – from 18,4% to 16,6%; the number of patients admitted to intensive care is also slightly lower.

This, however, is not a sufficient progress in the fight against the coronavirus, as one in every six persons tests positive, as estimated by the authorities. The healthcare system risks being overwhelmed should the current rates of the spread of the disease persist. For this reason, the Government announced additional measures, on top of the partial lockdown which has been in force since 13 October.

Starting tonight, the maximum number of people from different households who can gather in a group indoors and outdoors is reduced to two; this is also the number of guests one can receive at home per day. Masks are compulsory in public spaces indoors and on public transport for everyone of and above the age of 13.

Furthermore, all venues that are normally open to the public shall temporarily close: cultural institutions, sex establishments, amusement parks, zoos, swimming pools, etc. Food establishments continue working in a takeaway mode only, except for those serving hotel guests, funerals, airports.

Retail stores close at 20:00 while grocery stores can remain open beyond this hour. However, during night hours between 20:00 and 7:00 no alcohol can be sold or consumed in public spaces.

Most types of indoor and outdoor events are banned, and so are games and competitions, except for elite athletes and football players. All rules are accompanied by a strong recommendation to avoid going outside and travel and to respect social distance.

According to the current plan of the authorities, these measures will cease to apply on 19 November when the country will return to the previous partial lockdown state for another few weeks. In the middle of December, there will be a new assessment of the situation and eventually – new measures or hopefully – their alleviation.