Go to content

Preventing respiratory infections

Following the advice below helps limit the spread of viruses that cause respiratory infections. This helps protect everyone, including people with health concerns.

Advice

Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose are signs of respiratory infection.

  1. Stay at home if you are ill.
  2. If your symptoms are mild, ask your manager if you can work at home.
  3. If you have symptoms, avoid physical contact with people who could become seriously ill from a cold or flu virus. Wear a face mask if physical contact is necessary, for example, when providing care.

Whether or not you have cold or flu symptoms:

  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and do this often.
  • Ventilate indoor spaces well.
    • Fresh air helps to limit the spread of viruses. Ensure that spaces are ventilated regularly at home, in shops, 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.
    • In shops, restaurants and bars, and at schools, workplaces and elsewhere 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.

Coronavirus testing no longer necessary

From 11 March 2023, the advice on testing for coronavirus infection and isolating after a positive test will no longer apply. So, if you have COVID-19 symptoms you don’t have to do a test. But you should still keep following the general advice on this page.

If you need proof of recovery

If you need proof of recovery, you will have to contact a commercial test provider. They will charge you a fee for this. However, as a transitional measure, you will be able to get proof of recovery from the municipal health service (GGD) until 17 March 2023.

If you want to do a self-test, you can still buy them at a chemist or pharmacy, for example. People on low incomes will be able to get free COVID-19 self-tests from their municipality until the end of 2023.

If you are planning to travel abroad, check the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you go.