Grapperhaus and Bruls reflect on compliance with coronavirus measures
Minister of Justice and Security Ferdinand Grapperhaus and Chair of the Security Regions Council Hubert Bruls jointly reflect on the relative calm of the past weekend. According to preliminary information from the Dutch security regions, people generally complied with the call to stay at home during this weekend and to go outside only in case of urgency or to catch some fresh air. For the most part, people did not gather in large groups and kept a distance of 1.5 metre.
More crowded on Sunday than on Saturday
It was noticeably busier throughout the Netherlands on Sunday than on Saturday. Some mayors had to take preventive or other action on Sunday. For example, a number of skating parks were closed, while access roads to such locations as the Vaalserberg tripoint, beaches and other recreational areas were blocked. The border regions remained quiet as well. While the northern and central parts of Netherlands were mostly frequented by Dutch residents returning home, the province of Limburg was the only place where a few Germans visited furniture malls and garden centres. This activity did not cause any crowds to speak of.
Scattered incidents
The police were forced to take action in response to a number of incidents across the Netherlands. For example, the police enforced the law in Borne, Arnhem and Breda, and they intervened in some parties as well. Apart from enforcement, the police also issued fines and arrested people on a few occasions.
Grapperhaus:
'We had some beautiful weather this weekend, and it is clear that people made the difficult choice to stay at home as much as possible. When people did go outside, they complied with the rules and kept their distance well. I would like to compliment these people; although we understand that it is hard, please keep up the good work through Easter weekend as well. We can only combat the coronavirus by making these tough choices together. I will waste little time on the unacceptable house parties in which the police intervened. The strict action taken by mayors and the police is fully sanctioned.'
Bruls:
'The Security Regions Council discussed the current measures with Prime Minister Rutte and Minister Grapperhaus on Monday night. All of us agree that the measures made an impact last week as well as this weekend. Fewer people and groups are taking to the streets, while the population appears to be supportive of the measures. Since some individuals need a reminder, the security regions are enforcing the measures taken. We hope that the population will continue to support and cooperate in this manner until the end of April. After all, we are fully aware how much we are asking of our society and our people. However, we can only succeed if we work together. The fewer people fall ill, the fewer people will die before we ultimately beat the virus in its entirety.'