Partial lockdown to continue

This news item was published on 17 November. Read more about the current approach to tackling coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Measures remain necessary so we can protect one another

The number of coronavirus infections is falling. That is good news. We are following the rules, and this is having an impact. But we are not there yet, so it’s important that we maintain the partial lockdown. We will continue to limit our travel movements and contact with each other. We will continue to follow the basic rules. And we will try to help each other get through this difficult period.

Following a two-week closure, museums, theatres, swimming pools and amusement parks may reopen, and group sports lessons may resume. People may receive a maximum of three visitors at their homes each day. Outdoors, groups of no more than four people will be allowed. The partial lockdown will remain in place. The government is still advising against all non-essential foreign travel until mid-January. In order to limit the number of times people come into contact with each other, the ban on events will remain in place, and restaurants, bars and cafés will remain closed.

Lees het nieuwsbericht 'Gedeeltelijke lockdown gaat verder' in het Nederlands.

Keeping to the basic rules

Following the basic rules remains vital in order to reduce the number of infections. Anyone who has symptoms, even mild symptoms, should stay at home and get tested as soon as possible. Anyone who is infected should ask others to do shopping and other tasks for them, so they can stay at home. Everyone should stay 1.5 metres apart and leave if places become too busy. You are strongly advised to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces.

Support and looking out for each other

The measures being taken are having a significant impact on society and the economy. This is why the government introduced measures to support businesses, workers and jobseekers. Help is also available for people who feel lonely or get into financial difficulties. But it is also important that we continue to follow the rules. In order to stay healthy and ensure others stay healthy. And to open up the prospect, while coronavirus is still with us, of more freedom in our daily lives to spend time with family and friends, to do sport together, and to go to events or out to eat.

Outlook

The government will decide at the start of December whether there is scope to modify the measures it has put in place. Sinterklaas celebrations can go ahead, provided we keep our distance from others and receive no more than three visitors. Hopefully it will be possible to find creative solutions for the traditional pakjesavond festivities. For example, celebrating in small groups over several days, or celebrating digitally. In addition, Sinterklaas is advised to shop for gifts alone; locally if possible or online.

The government has not yet decided what measures will apply around Christmas and New Year. But keeping strictly to the rules now will increase the chance that measures can be modified.

Testing

From 1 December you will be able to get a test if you have no symptoms but are at an increased risk of having been infected. For example, if the CoronaMelder app sends you a notification about an infection risk, or if you have been identified as part of contact tracing efforts. From the moment you are notified you will need to self-isolate. After five days you can be tested. If the result is negative you no longer need to self-isolate.

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act

The COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act will enter into force on 1 December. It covers matters such as the compulsory wearing of face masks in indoor public spaces such as shops, museums, restaurants and theatres. The government will say more about this in the near future.

Measures from 19 November

Groups

  • You may receive no more than 3 people a day in your home. You may receive no more than one group of people per day.
  • The maximum group size outdoors is 4 people from different households.
  • Group size indoors is limited to 30 people, where people are seated.

Daily life

  • Travel as little as possible.
  • Work from home, unless that is not possible.
  • Everyone aged 13 and over must wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
  • In secondary schools, secondary vocational (MBO) schools, and institutions for higher education (HBO and universities) everyone must wear a face mask except during lessons/lectures.
  • All establishments that serve food and drinks must remain closed. Take-away will still be possible.
    • Exceptions are:
      • hotels serving hotel guests
      • funeral locations
      • airside restaurants, cafés and bars at airports
      • company cafeterias
      • establishments serving food and drink in care institutions for patients and people visiting patients
      • establishments serving food and drink in locations providing daytime activities for vulnerable groups.
    • Multipurpose venues must close the section that serves food and drinks.
  • Retail stores must close no later than 20.00.
    • Stores selling mainly groceries may stay open after 20.00.
  • No alcohol may be sold or delivered between 20.00 and 07.00.
  • Between 20.00 and 07.00 you may not drink alcohol or have it on your person in public spaces.
  • Events are banned, with the exception of:
    • general markets (normal weekly markets)
    • trade fairs and conferences
    • cinema screenings, theatre shows, concerts, museum exhibitions, etc.
    • matches and competitions for elite athletes at training facilities for top-level athletes; in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie football leagues; and for children under the age of 18 against teams within their own club.
    • demonstrations, gatherings and meetings as referred to in the Public Assemblies Act.
  • In the retail sector, strict compliance with the protocols remains essential. If it becomes too busy or if the basic rules are not being observed, a location can be partly or fully closed. Enforcement will be stepped up.
  • At zoos, museums, libraries and other locations where there is a constant flow of people, visitors must reserve a time slot. This does not apply to the retail sector and general, weekly markets.
  • There is a ban on group singing, with the exception of:
    • professional singers
    • children under 13
    • singing in the context of a religious or faith-based event
    • singing as part of a demonstration.
  • Funerals may be attended by no more than 100 people.

Sports are allowed, but restrictions apply

  • People aged 18 and older may take part in sports if they keep a distance of 1.5 metres at all times. People can take part in sports individually or in groups of 4 or less. Matches and competitions are not allowed. Exceptions are:
    • elite athletes with a status at designated locations (such as Papendal)
    • footballers (including support staff in a ‘bubble’) in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.
  • Children under 18 may take part in team sports, including matches and competitions with teams within their own club.
  • Sports canteens and clubhouses, showers and changing rooms are closed.
  • Spectators are not allowed.

Travel

Travel within the Netherlands:

  • Travel as little as possible.
  • If you do go on holiday, stay in or near your holiday accommodation as much as possible.
  • Limit the number of outings and avoid busy places.

Travel abroad:

  • Avoid travelling and booking trips abroad until mid-January, unless your journey is essential.
  • Holiday travel and family visits are not essential.
  • Check the latest travel advice on Nederlandwereldwijd.nl before you go. 
  • If you are coming to the Netherlands from a country with an orange travel advisory, self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival.
  • Travel to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom is allowed. But check the latest travel advice before you go.