The Parliamentary Corona Inquiry Committee conducted a working visit to Breda on December 11 and 12. The committee members visited hospitality entrepreneurs and spoke with students and teachers from Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas). Attention was also given to enforcement of corona rules on the streets. The committee spoke with enforcement officers (boa’s) from the municipality of Breda and the province of Brabant about this.

Committee chairman Daan de Kort looks back on a successful working visit: “What stood out most to me was the creativity and resilience. We saw this among hospitality entrepreneurs, students and teachers, and also among the boa’s. It was very valuable to hear their experiences and stories.”

Hospitality under pressure

During the visit to a hospitality entrepreneur, the conversation focused on the difficult situation they faced due to the pandemic: closure of hospitality venues, limited number of guests, social distancing rules, and later the corona entry pass. They explained the challenges they encountered and how they dealt with measures that conflicted with the hospitality that characterizes their profession. The impact on their staff and the still noticeable consequences were also discussed.

Studying during corona times

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) is a specialized and international university of applied sciences offering programs in tourism, hotel management, event sector, game industry, Data Science & AI, and other creative fields. In conversations with teachers and students, the transition to online education and its effects on studying and student life were discussed. The social structure of physical classes and the daily dynamics on the BUas campus were greatly missed. The mental health of students was also addressed. Additionally, the committee discussed how the effects of the corona period are still noticeable today.

Enforcement of the rules

During a walk with boa’s, the committee discussed the implementation and enforcement of corona measures on the streets, in hospitality venues, and other busy places. Prior to the walk, the committee spoke with a green boa about the outskirts and nature areas, where many people went. Cooperation with the mayor, municipality, province, and police was also discussed. The boa’s encountered resistance from people tired of the measures in their work. In their stories, they shared what this did to them and how they and their colleagues dealt with it.

Research approach

The Parliamentary Corona Inquiry Committee has established a research proposal. Based on six research periods and six themes, important questions will be answered and lessons learned. The committee explicitly investigates the role of the cabinet and the House of Representatives during the crisis. For various parts of the research, available (scientific) insights and literature will be used. Information is requested from departments and other organizations. Additionally, the inquiry committee conducts interviews and makes working visits to get an impression of how the corona crisis was experienced by different groups of people.

Committee members

The Parliamentary Corona Inquiry Committee consists of members of parliament Daan de Kort (VVD, chairman), Songül Mutluer (GroenLinks-PvdA), and Henk-Jan Oosterhuis (D66).

Read more

Read more about the work of the committee.