Further easing of coronavirus measures

In recent weeks, coronavirus infection rates have once again increased. However, the current variant is making people less ill and the number of people being admitted to intensive care is limited. So the government has decided to further ease the current measures. However, certain advice will remain in force. The government has not yet decided when next it will review the measures. It will continue to monitor the situation closely.

If you have symptoms: stay home and do a test

Anyone with symptoms should stay home and do a self-test. If the result is positive, make an appointment to get tested by the municipal health service (GGD) and self-isolate for at least 5 days. You can stop self-isolating after 5 days if you have had no symptoms for 24 hours. You do not need to do a test if you have no symptoms. This means, for instance, that pupils, students and those working in education no longer need to do a self-test twice a week as a preventative measure.

The advice on quarantining remains unchanged.

Working from home

The current advice on working from home will no longer apply. Over the past two years, we have seen the positive benefits that working from home can bring. Many people want to continue working from home, at least for some of the time. The government therefore calls on employers to continue making agreements with staff on hybrid working. The government asks that employers pay particular attention to staff who are concerned about their health. They too must be able to work safely. If staff have symptoms, they should stay home and do a test. If they test positive, they should self-isolate and, if possible, work from home.

Face masks

The requirement to wear a face mask on public transport will be lifted as of Wednesday 23 March. In busy places, you can protect yourself and others by continuing to wear a face mask.

Face masks must still be worn on aircraft and at airports beyond the security checkpoint.

No pre-admission testing (1G) from 23 March onwards

Pre-admission testing (1G) is currently required for larger nightclubs and large events without pre-assigned seating (more than 500 people). From Wednesday 23 March, these locations and events will be accessible without pre-admission testing. This means there will no longer be a requirement to show a coronavirus entry pass at any location. You are, however, advised to keep the CoronaCheck app on your mobile phone. In several countries, you must still show your QR code in order to enter the country or to visit a restaurant, bar, cinema or theatre, for instance.

Travelling to the Netherlands

As of 23 March, travellers to the Netherlands coming from within the EU or the Schengen area will no longer require a test, proof of recovery or proof of vaccination. The rules will also be lifted for nationals of EU countries travelling to the Netherlands from countries outside the EU and the Schengen area. Everyone travelling to the Netherlands is advised to do a self-test immediately after arrival and again on day 5. Non-EU nationals remain subject to an EU entry ban. Exemptions apply in several cases, however, such as for people travelling from ‘safe’ countries, people who are vaccinated or who have recovered from coronavirus, and people travelling for certain purposes.

Living with coronavirus

Coronavirus has not gone away. People are still getting infected and becoming ill. Fortunately, the vaccines are working effectively and a lot of people have built up some resistance due to having been infected. This means that the impact of a new wave of infections will be less severe than in 2020 and 2021.
However, even for people in good health, a coronavirus infection can still be very unpleasant. And for older people and those in an at-risk group, coronavirus comes with increased risks. Therefore, some advice remains in place in order to help reduce the risk of infection:

  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
  • If you have symptoms, stay home and do a test.
  • Ensure a good flow of fresh air indoors.
  • Get your initial vaccinations and booster jab.

Following this advice will help protect you, your family, friends and others. And you’ll be helping to protect people with health concerns, such as elderly people or people with a chronic illness.

Respect one another’s choices

Be considerate of other people. Keep your distance if someone asks you to. If you’re meeting up with someone who has health concerns, do a self-test first. Respect each other’s choices. For instance, if someone asks you to wear a face mask when you normally wouldn’t.