Rules that apply indoors and outdoors

• At home, whether indoors or outdoors, you may receive no more than 2 visitors a day. This does not include children under 13.
• You should not visit more than 1 other household a day.
• Limit the number of people you meet in a week. More than half of infections occur at home. So think carefully about whether the visit is really necessary.
• During the visit, everyone must observe the hygiene rules and be able to stay 1.5 metres apart at all times. Always wash your hands when you arrive.
• If a gathering causes a nuisance or poses a risk to public health, the authorities can take action.

Outside homes, no more than 2 people can go somewhere or do something together, not counting children under 13.

• This applies to all areas that are accessible to the public, indoors and outdoors.
• There are allowed to be more than 2 people in a group if all people in the group live at the same address. 

The maximum group size does not apply to the following:

• Children under 13
• People who live at the same address
• Living areas on vehicles and vessels
• Demonstrations, gatherings and meetings as referred to in the Public Assemblies Act
• People gathering to practise a religion or belief
• Guests at funerals (maximum of 100 people)
• Guests at marriage ceremonies and registered partnership ceremonies (maximum of 30 people)
• People taking part in performing arts
• Participation in top-level sport
• Participation in sport at outdoors sport facilities 
• Participation in organised activities for under 18s. Exemption applies to the people organising or supervising these activities as well as the participants
• Public transport and commercial passenger transport
• Carers, including healthcare volunteers, and the people in their care
• A gathering taking place under the auspices of a judge or a public prosecutor
• People whose occupation requires them to work in groups, such as investigating officers, security guards, healthcare workers, informal carers, clerics, police officers, childcare staff, firefighters, members of the armed forces, people providing first aid, staff working in the criminal justice or asylum system, etc.
• People forming a group for the purposes of carrying out community service orders
• Meetings of the States General, a municipal council, provincial council, general board of a water authority or related committees
• Meetings of international organisations or treaty parties.

Rules for indoor spaces (besides homes)

At locations that are open, the following rules apply:

• At indoor venues where people mainly stay in 1 place, such as community centres, and at funerals for example, everyone must have an assigned seat. People should not circulate. People moving in different directions must be well separated. And of course everyone must stay 1.5 metres apart at all times.
• The building manager takes hygiene precautions, for example providing disinfectant hand gel and handwashing facilities.
• A maximum of 30 people, including children but not staff, is permitted, provided everyone can keep 1.5 metres apart. Pre-entry health checks must be carried out.
• Spaces used by different groups of people must be separated by solid, floor-to-ceiling walls and be separated from the corridor or hallway by a door.
• Reservations are mandatory. Group reservations can only be made for up to 2 people.

Exemptions to the rules for indoor spaces

Many locations are currently closed. At locations that are open, an exception applies to the maximum number of 30 people per room in the following situations:

• Demonstrations, gatherings and meetings as referred to in the Public Assemblies Act
• People gathering to practise a religion or belief
• Funerals (maximum of 100 people)
• Educational institutions, training institutions and childcare centres, institutions that are open for exams or practical training or to provide education or childcare to vulnerable children and the children of key workers (primary and secondary education)
• Healthcare institutions
• Public transport and commercial passenger transport
• Performing arts and cultural education. Rehearsals and recordings by professionals, for example for online performances, can go ahead
• Participation in organised activities for under 18s. Exemption applies to the people organising or supervising these activities as well as the participants
• Airports
• Businesses and other organisations (where this is necessary in order to carry out daily operations)
• A gathering taking place under the auspices of a judge or a public prosecutor
• Meetings of the States General or of a related committee
• Meetings of a municipal council, provincial council and general board of a water authority, or of a committee set up by one of these bodies, and other gatherings required by law
• Elections
• Meetings of international organisations .

A private building is only accessible to its regular users. Examples include business premises and office spaces that are only accessible to people who work there. Occasionally others may enter the building, for example a delivery person, maintenance engineer or a visiting client, but the building is not open to the public. Examples of ‘indoor public spaces’ are cinemas, shops and gyms. These locations have a manager and while you may have to be a member or buy a ticket, they are in principle open to members of the public.

Many locations that are normally open to the public are currently closed or only open to a very limited extent. Private buildings are not closed.

Shops and markets

• Shops, showrooms and similar locations that are usually open to the public are open. From 28 April all shops can admit customers without an appointment.
  • This means shops selling non-essential items, like clothing, can open, under the following conditions:
    • Customers should come to the shop by themselves. Children under 13 are exempt from this rule. Customers must stay 1.5 metres apart.
    • Shops selling non-essential items can open between 06.00 and 20.00.
    • The maximum number of customers depends on the size of the shop. Shops selling non-essential items may admit 1 customer per 25 square metres. Shops may in any case admit 2 customers per floor, regardless of the size of the shop. Children under 13 are not counted as customers.
    • A person who requires assistance and the person providing that assistance count as one customer.
    • The maximum number of people does not include staff. But there should not be more staff in the shop than absolutely necessary.
• General markets can also reopen fully from 28 April with 1.5 metre distancing. This means that non-food items can be sold there again.
• Shops selling essentials are open. From 28 April they can open during regular opening hours. The following still applies:
  • The alcohol ban is still in force. Shops may not sell alcoholic drinks between 20.00 and closing time. Alcoholic drinks may not be picked up from takeaway restaurants after 20.00 either.
  • Shops must take steps to prevent the premises from becoming too crowded. Strict compliance with protocols is essential.
  • If it becomes too busy or if the basic rules are not being observed the mayor is authorised to take extra measures.
  • Supermarkets must offer special shopping times when they are open only for older customers and those in at-risk groups.

Contact-based roles

• All contact-based professionals except sex workers may carry out their work.
  • Both the service provider and their client should wear a face mask.
  • Clients must make an appointment and a pre-entry health check must be carried out.
  • Those in contact-based professions must ask their clients to provide their contact details for contact tracing by the municipal health service (GGD) in the event someone is infected.
    • Registration is voluntary. Clients should not be refused entry because they do not wish to provide this information.
    • The personal details provided may be used for contact tracing purposes only.
    • This requirement does not apply to professions where providing contact details would hinder the performance of services or endanger the safety and wellbeing of those involved, such as care providers, enforcement officers and investigating officers.

Bars, restaurants and cafés

• Bars, restaurants and cafés are partially open.
  • From 28 April outdoor seating areas at these venues can open under certain conditions.
  • Outdoor seating areas can be open between 12.00 and 18.00.
    • Customers must have a reservation and be assigned a seat. Reservations can only be made for a maximum of 2 people (not counting children under 13) or for people from the same household. Making a reservation on arrival is allowed.
    • The maximum number of people per table is 2, sitting 1.5 metres apart. This does not apply to children under 13 or to people from the same household.
    • The maximum number of people per seating area is 50.
    • Staff must verify that customers do not have coronavirus or symptoms of COVID-19. Staff must also ask customers to provide their contact details in case contract tracing is necessary.
    • Live performances and other forms of entertainment in or near the seating area are not permitted.
    • Self-service is not permitted.
    • Customers may only enter the building to use the toilets or cloakroom, to pay or to get to or from the outdoor seating area. Face masks must be worn indoors.
    • Payments should be contactless if possible.
    • The basic rules still apply, including 1.5 metre distancing and wearing a face mask.
    • If hygiene screens are placed between tables, the tables do not need to be 1.5 metres apart.
  • Outdoor seating areas at sports facilities are not allowed to reopen yet.
  • Hospitality venues may provide a takeaway or delivery service.
    • Cannabis cafés are only open for pick-up.
    • Hotel guests may pick up their food order in the hotel or have it delivered to their room. They must eat in their room.
    • Customers are not allowed to consume the purchased goods on site or nearby.
  • Food and drink may be served for consumption on site:
    • at funeral locations
    • in company cafeterias
    • at healthcare institutions, to patients and people visiting patients
    • in locations for daytime groups for vulnerable people
    • at airports, beyond the security checkpoints
    • at petrol stations (hot drinks only)
  • Takeaway establishments may in principle be open until 01.00. No alcohol may be sold after 20.00. Cannabis cafés must close at 20.00.

Small outdoor playgrounds

• Small-scale, not-for-profit, managed outdoor playgrounds, aimed at visitors from within the neighbourhood or municipality have reopened.

Business and financial services

Locations providing business and financial services, such as banks, mortgage lenders and estate agents, can remain open. Parts of government buildings normally accessible to the public will remain open, this includes municipal service desks and courts of law.

Until at least 11 May (inclusive) many most indoor public spaces will be closed to members of the public. This applies in any case to:

• Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, casinos, zoos and amusement parks.
• Indoor sports halls, gyms, swimming pools, saunas, tanning centres etc.
• Sex establishments.  
• Libraries and community centres are closed, except for the following:
  • Books and other items may be collected or returned at libraries.
  • Support to vulnerable people, including organised daytime activities and youth work may be provided in locations such as community centres and libraries.
• Locations can be opened in order to perform key public services, e.g. polling stations during elections or COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. This also applies to locations for professional certification and practical examinations.
  • As of 28 April people can sit theory tests for a driving licence, boat licence or pilot licence.

Ban on events

Most events are banned. Exceptions are:

• Demonstrations, gatherings and meetings as referred to in the Public Assemblies Act.

Alcohol

Between 20.00 and 06.00 you may not drink alcohol or have it on your person in public spaces. This applies both indoors and outdoors.

Soft drugs

Cannabis cafés must close at 20.00.

Possession of soft drugs is a punishable offence under the Opium Act. This means the police can always take enforcement action if you have soft drugs on your person or are using soft drugs in the public domain.

It is possible that drug users may sometimes forget to follow the rules to prevent spreading coronavirus, like staying 1.5 metres apart. In these cases the police will take action.

You are urgently advised not to sing or shout in a group other than in your own home.

• This does not apply to professional singers and children under 13.
• Extra caution is advised for people with health issues.

Ventilation indoors must meet the requirements set out in the Buildings Decree and be suited to the purpose of the room so that the air is refreshed often enough.

Fans are permitted for personal use. Fans should only be used in communal areas if no other form of cooling is available. Make sure that air from a fan does not flow directly from one person to another.

• Teachers and support staff who have health issues or who fall into one of the at-risk groups identified by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) (aged over 70 or with underlying health conditions) cannot be ordered to teach in-person classes. Similarly, childcare staff in this category cannot be ordered to work with children at a childcare centre. They can work at home.
• The measures that apply to educational institutions also apply to other locations where educational activities are organised.
• As of 28 April lessons at all educational levels may be taught at external locations. This was already permitted for secondary education and practical training. This provides more scope for in-person education at all levels, taking account of the 1.5 metre rule.
• Whether or not students can complete a work placement or internship depends on the sector/branch where they are doing their work placement. If companies in the sector/branch are allowed to continue their operations, the work placement/internship can also continue.

Primary schools and daycare

• Primary schools, schools for special education and daycare centres for children under 4 are fully open. This also applies to childminders who look after children under 13.
  • There are special rules for testing children for coronavirus.
  • Guidelines have been drawn up to help schools and childcare providers reduce the risk of outbreaks.
• Out-of-school care (BSO) is fully open. Additional measures are in place to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Secondary schools, including special secondary schools

• Secondary schools are open. In principle every pupil should be able to attend in-person lessons at least 1 day per week. Read the rules for secondary schools. 
• More in-person lessons can be offered at school for pupils who will be sitting final exams and for vulnerable pupils. School exams in the upper years of secondary school and practical training can also take place on-site.
• Special secondary schools and schools for practical training have a large number of vulnerable pupils and many of the lessons are practical lessons. At these schools, on-site teaching is the norm.

Secondary vocational education (MBO)

• Secondary vocational schools (MBO) are open. In principle every student should be able to attend in-person lessons 1 day per week.
• Measures were relaxed on the condition that the 1.5 metre distancing rule can be adhered to inside buildings and that the arrangements made with national and regional public transport operators on spreading passengers across the day allow for larger numbers of students to travel safely.
• During practical training for jobs in which it is not possible to stay 1.5 metres apart, this rule does not need to be followed if closer contact is necessary for the purposes of the training.

Higher professional education (HBO) and universities (WO)

• Higher professional education institutions (HBO) and universities are partially open. In principle each student can attend in-person classes one day per week, under certain conditions.
• Exams, practical training and support for vulnerable students can be offered on site.
• Students and staff must stay 1.5 metres apart at all times in and around the institution’s buildings. This also applies to students who are not yet 18. During practical training for jobs in which it is not possible to stay 1.5 metres apart, this rule does not need to be followed, but a face mask must be worn.
• As of 1 December 2020 students and staff must wear a face mask for general use while moving through the institution’s buildings. They can take off the face mask if they are seated or standing at their allocated place.
• Libraries at MBO schools, HBOs and universities can reopen for self-study as of 28 April.

• Sports activities are permitted to a very limited extent.
  • Only outdoor sports are allowed
  • Only sports where participants can keep a distance of 1.5 metres are allowed.
  • Groups of no more than 2 people can play sports together. This does not include the instructor.
  • No matches or competitions are permitted.
  • No spectators are permitted.
  • Showers and changing rooms are closed, except changing rooms at swimming pools.
  • To use sports facilities everyone aged 18 or over must make a reservation and a health check must be carried out beforehand.
  • Reservations can only be made for up to 2 people or 1 household (people living at the same address).

Exceptions to the rules for sports and recreation

• There is an exception for elite athletes at designated training facilities, athletes taking part in top-level competition and footballers in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.
• Therapeutic swimming as part of rehabilitation is permitted.
• Children under 13 can take part in swimming lessons to obtain their swimming diploma (A, B or C). Swimming pools can open exclusively for this purpose.
  • Changing rooms and toilets will be open for children taking part in swimming lessons.
  • Parents or other accompanying adults must wait outside.
• There is also an exception for children and young people under 17. They are allowed to take part in team sports outdoors and may take part in matches and competitions against teams from their own club.
  • They do not have to stay 1.5 metres apart.
  • Children and young people with coronavirus symptoms must stay at home.
  • There are no official matches and competitions.
• Adults aged 18 to 26 can take part in sports activities at outdoor sports facilities. They can also take part in matches and competitions against teams from their own club. In addition, they may take part in supervised sports at other outdoor locations, provided the activities are organised by the municipality (or by another party on the municipality’s behalf).
• Adults aged 27 and over can take part in sports activities at outdoor sports facilities in groups of up to 4 people. In addition, they may take part in supervised sports at other outdoor locations in groups of no more than 4 people, provided the activities are organised by the municipality (or by another party on the municipality’s behalf).

People are urgently advised to use public transport for essential travel only. Travel as little as possible. This applies to all forms of transport. Travel by bicycle or on foot for short journeys. People should in principle keep 1.5 metres apart while travelling.

Passengers aged 13 and over must wear a face mask for general use on public transport, in stations, on platforms and at bus and tram stops. The fine for passengers not wearing a face mask is €95.

• People who do not live at the same address and who travel in the same car should wear a face mask.
• No more than 2 people from different households may travel in the same car. An exception applies for children under 13.

• For commercial transport, such as taxis, passenger vans and coaches, passengers must undergo a pre-travel health check and reserve a seat in advance. Face masks for general use must also be worn by all passengers aged 13 and over, including in stations and at stops. If there are other passengers on board you may be fined if you do not wear a face mask.
• A pre-entry health check is required when travelling by taxi, and passengers must book in advance. Passengers aged 13 and over are required to wear a face mask for general use. If there are 2 or more passengers in the taxi you may be fined if you do not wear a face mask. There are no restrictions regarding occupancy.
• A pre-entry health check is required when travelling by passenger van or coach, and passengers must book their seats in advance. All passengers aged 13 and over must wear a face mask for general use. If there are 3 or more people on board, you may be fined if you do not wear a face mask. There are no restrictions regarding occupancy.
• When 3 or more passengers are travelling in a commercial vehicle (light goods vehicle, moving van, lorry, etc.), face masks for general use are required unless passengers are able to keep a 1.5-metre distance from one another.