Let’s keep coronavirus out
Please note: this news item was published on 18 August 2020. Read more about the current approach to tackling coronavirus in the Netherlands.
The coronavirus situation in the Netherlands continues to be a significant cause for concern. Since the last press conference on 6 August, the number of infections and hospital admissions has increased. If we are not careful, we will soon lose all the ground we have gained. This is why the government has announced a tightening up of measures.
Most infections at private gatherings
On the basis of the latest advice from the Outbreak Management Team (OMT), some additional measures are being introduced at national level. What the OMT’s advice has shown is that private gatherings at people’s homes are where the most infections are occurring. This includes family events, birthday parties, drinks with neighbours and social gatherings among friends.
Maximum of 6 guests at home
The most significant new measure is that the government strongly and urgently advises people to limit the number of guests they receive at home to a maximum of six (excluding children under 13). This includes both indoors and in outdoor spaces like gardens. Guests should also be asked whether they have any symptoms and if so, they should not attend. It goes without saying that people should always stay 1.5 metres away from each other.
Allocated seats for everyone
Parties, drinks and other events involving large groups of people should preferably be held in hospitality venues where there is more space and guests have an allocated seat, can register their contact details and must confirm they have no symptoms. Guests should have at least 1.5 metres between them and physical contact should be avoided. The government would ask venue hire companies and restaurant, bar and café owners and managers to make sure the rules are being complied with, if that is not already the case. There will be a greater focus on this in terms of enforcement too.
Work from home
Of all the measures that have been introduced since the start of the pandemic, the advice to work from home wherever possible has proved one of the most effective. This advice was not time-limited and so the advice remains: work from home wherever possible.
Self-quarantine for 10 days
If you have travelled to a region that has an orange travel advisory due to coronavirus, or if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you should self-quarantine. The OMT has advised that the quarantine period can be reduced from 14 days to 10 days.
Symptoms? Stay at home and get tested
In addition, anyone with symptoms should continue to stay at home and get tested. This will ensure that the vast majority of infections are prevented. In the event of a positive result, source and contact tracing will be carried out. This will allow us to gain a clearer picture of the virus in the Netherlands, so we can take fast, targeted action to prevent it spreading further.
Children with symptoms stay home
Everyone is working hard to make sure schools are safe. Part of that is ensuring that children stay home if they have symptoms. Children must also stay at home if someone in their household tests positive; something that was emphasised once again during the press conference.
Summary
- From now on, receive no more than 6 guests at home (indoors and outdoors), excluding children under 13.
- Continue working from home whenever possible.
- The self-quarantine period has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days.
