The Netherlands has been forced to take on more severe restrictions as COVID numbers have increased significantly. Living in The Hague, we're in one of the hotspots. From the NOS in English service, here are the latest rules, published this week.
NEW MEASURES ANNOUNCED AT PRESS CONFERENCE
GROUPS
At home, you're allowed to have a maximum of 3 guests over per day.
In inside spaces where people sit down, a maximum of 30 people is allowed
Inside and outside, a group should consist of no more than 4 people from different households
A household has no maximum amount of people
DAILY LIFE
Work from home, unless absolutely impossible
For those 13 years and older: wear a face mask in public inside spaces and public transport
In secondary education, MBO and higher education, everyone should wear a face mask outside of classes
All food and beverage facilities close. Take-away will remain possible
Exceptions are: hotels and their guests, funeral homes and airports past the security check
Locations with a combined function will close the part with a catering function
Retail stores close by 8:00 PM the latest. Shopping events will be forbidden
Supermarkets are an exception to this rule.
Alcohol and soft drugs will not be sold or delivered between 8:00 PM and 7 AM
You are not allowed to consume or carry alcohol or soft drugs in public spaces between 8 PM and 7 AM
Events are forbidden, except from: Food markets, Trade fairs and conferences, Cinemas and Theatres, Matches, Demonstrations, gatherings and meetings as referred to in the Public Events Act
In the retail sector, agreements are made about strict compliance with the protocols. If it gets too busy, or if the ground rules are not followed, (part of) a location can be closed. There will be stricter enforcement and control.
At so-called 'walking' locations, such as libraries and museums, visits must take place on the basis of a reservation per period, with the exception of retail trade and markets for food-related products.
SPORTS
For everyone over 18, sports are only allowed at a distance of 1.5 meters and only individually or in a team with no more than 4 people. Competitions are not allowed.
Exceptions are: top athletes with a status in designated locations (such as Papendal) and Football players (including other staff members within the bubble) of the Eredivisie
For children up to 18, sports within a team setting and competitions are only allowed with members of the same sports club
Next to the cafeteria, showers and dressing rooms will be closed
TRAVEL
Travel as little as possible
If you go on a holiday, stay on your holiday address as much as you can.
Limit the amount of holiday trips and avoid crowds.
For holidays abroad: follow the guidelines and travel advice by the ministry of foreign affairs
There's been a lot of discussion regarding masks. At one point, the government stated that mask usage would be MANDATORY inside stores and the vendors would have to enforce the rule. That led to an outcry by store owners who are struggling with fewer clients already... and that "recommendation" was withdrawn. The only "mask restriction" that has been enforced is on public transportation. Yesterday, the day after this announcement, perhaps 20% of folks walking in The Hague were wearing masks. According to local news, 67% of the local populace feel that there should be STRICTER regulations put in place by the government to reduce the pandemic numbers.