Tijdelijke verzwaring van de gedeeltelijke lockdown

Together we have succeeded in halting the rise of coronavirus infections. We are on the right path, but we are not moving quickly enough. The numbers need to drop faster if we are to guarantee the quality of care for all patients and prevent hospital staff from becoming overwhelmed. We also want to speed up the return to greater freedom in our daily lives. The government has therefore decided to impose extra measures for the next 2 weeks on top of the current partial lockdown.

Compliance with measures

There is still a high risk of infection: currently 1 in 6 people tested for coronavirus in the Netherlands tests positive. So it is crucial that people comply with the measures that are in place. Stay at home and get tested if you develop symptoms. Avoid busy places and keep your distance, not only for your own sake but for the people around you, too. For the retailers who want to keep their shops open, and the proprietors of bars and restaurants, who want to reopen their doors.

On 19 November we will return to the partial lockdown introduced on 14 October. In mid-December, the government will assess what can be done in the period that follows. Before the measures in force can be reconsidered, there needs to be enough evidence that the number of infections is falling and that our regular healthcare services are under less pressure.

Stay at home as much as possible

By further restricting people’s travel movements and contact with each other, we can tackle the virus in those places where the risk of its spreading is greatest. The watchword for the next 2 weeks is: stay at home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel. You are strongly advised not to travel abroad or book any trips abroad until mid-January unless absolutely necessary.

These stricter measures will unfortunately have an impact on our daily lives and our economy. But they are necessary so that we can more quickly open up a new prospect: a society that can manage coronavirus effectively – both in our healthcare system and our everyday lives. A society in which we can be together, with family and friends, on happy and sad occasions, on the sports field or in a restaurant.

From 22.00 on Wednesday 4 November up to and including Wednesday 18 November, the following measures will apply:

Groups:

• You may receive no more than 2 people a day in your home.
• The maximum group size outdoors and indoors (except in your home) is 2 people from different households.
• There is no maximum number of people for a household.

Daily life:

• Stay at home as much as possible, including during the festive season.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Work from home, unless it is absolutely necessary that you go to work.
• Everyone aged 13 and over must wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
• In secondary schools, MBO schools, and institutions for higher education (HBO and universities) everyone must wear a face mask except during lessons/lectures.
• All venues that are normally open to the public are closed. This includes museums, theatres, sex establishments, cinemas, amusement parks, zoos, swimming pools and libraries.
  • All establishments that serve food and drinks must remain closed. Take-away will still be possible. Exceptions are: 
    • hotels serving hotel guests
    • funeral locations
    • airside restaurants, cafés and bars at airports.
  • Multipurpose venues must close the section that serves food and drinks.
• Retail stores must close no later than 20.00. There will be no late-night shopping.
  • Grocery stores may stay open after 20.00.
  • General markets may stay open.
• No alcohol may be sold or delivered between 20.00 and 07.00.
• Between 20.00 and 07.00 you may not drink alcohol or have it on your person in public spaces.
• Indoor and outdoor events are banned, except:
  • demonstrations, gatherings and meetings as referred to in the Public Assemblies Act.
• Agreements will be made in the retail sector for strict compliance with the protocols. If it becomes too busy or if the basic rules are not being observed, a location can be partly or fully closed. Enforcement will be stepped up.

Sports are allowed, but restrictions apply:

• People aged 18 and older may only take part in sports individually or in groups of 2. They must keep a distance of 1.5 metres at all times. Matches and competitions are not allowed. Exceptions are:
  • elite athletes with a status at assigned locations (such as Papendal);
  • footballers (including support staff in a ‘bubble’) in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.
• Children under 18 may take part in team sports, including matches and competitions with teams within their own club.
• In addition to sports canteens and clubhouses, showers and changing rooms will also remain closed.
• Group lessons are not allowed.
• Spectators are not allowed.

Travel:

Travel within the Netherlands:

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• If you go on holiday, stay in or near your holiday accommodation as much as possible.
• Limit the number of outings and avoid busy places.

Travel abroad:

• Avoid travelling abroad and do not book trips abroad until mid-January, unless your journey is essential.
• Holidays and family visits are non-essential travel.
• Check the latest travel advice (only in Dutch) on Nederlandwereldwijd.nl before you go.
• If you are coming to the Netherlands from a country with an orange travel advisory, you must self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival.
• Travel to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom is allowed. But check the latest travel advice before you go.