Coronavirus advice in brief

If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as a cold, shortness of breath or a fever, avoid infecting other people. Do a self-test. If the result of your test is positive, self-isolate at home.

If you are not sure what to do if you test positive, do the quarantine check (quarantainecheck.rijksoverheid.nl).

Groups eligible for testing by the GGD

Certain groups of people should not rely on self-tests. You are advised to have a PCR test done by the municipal health service (GGD) if:

• you are a health or care worker (to end self-isolation on day 5 you will also need a negative PCR test result);
• you live in a nursing home or care home for people over 70 or with severe immune system dysfunction (lci.rivm.nl);
• you live at home and go to a daytime activity group, and you are over 70 or have severe immune system dysfunction;
• you are unable to do a self-test, even with help;
• you need proof of recovery to travel abroad.

If you (self)test positive, you should self-isolate immediately. This means staying at home in a separate room from others in your household. This is to avoid them becoming infected too. 

Certain groups of people should not rely on self-tests. You should have a PCR test done by the municipal health service (GGD) if:

• you are a health or care worker;
• you live in a nursing home or other healthcare institution, and you are over 70 or have severe immune system dysfunction;
• you live at home and go to a daytime activity group, and you are over 70 or have severe immune system dysfunction;
• you are unable to do a self-test, even with help;
• you need proof of recovery to travel abroad.

A good flow of fresh air is important. It helps to limit the spread of the virus. Ensure that rooms are ventilated regularly at home, in shops, in bars and restaurants, at school and at work.

• Always make sure there is a window or air vent open. Or make sure your ventilation system is working.
• Air your home several times a day by opening windows and doors wide. Do the same before and after you receive visitors.
• Check how good the ventilation is in your home (Milieucentraal.nl - in Dutch only).
• In shops, restaurants and bars, at school, at work and other places where there are a lot of people, keep windows open. Or make sure that the ventilation system is set so that enough outdoor air flows into the building.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from becoming seriously ill due to coronavirus. So get your initial vaccinations and repeat vaccination.

Vaccination protects people against severe COVID-19, but this protection declines over time. In the coming weeks you can get a repeat vaccination. This is especially important for people with health issues, who are more likely to become seriously ill from a coronavirus infection.

It is no longer mandatory to stay 1.5 metres from others. But this remains a safe distance. So give others enough space, including when visiting people and at work.

The government calls on employers to make agreements with their employees to encourage working from home. The government asks that employers give due care to employees with health concerns. They too must be able to work safely. Employees with COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and do a test. If they test positive, they should self-isolate and, if possible, work from home.