Note: the date of this news item is June 24, 2020. Read the current information about the Dutch approach and measures against the coronavirus.

We have embarked on the path out of the corona crisis with the following basic rules, which are still in effect:

  • If you have symptoms: stay home and get tested as soon as possible.
  • Keep 1.5 meters distance from others.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Work from home as much as possible.
  • Avoid busy places and travel outside rush hours as much as possible.

This approach works. The peak of infections is over, we have brought the virus under control. We can conduct extensive testing and intensive source and contact tracing. This enables us to quickly and effectively adjust and prevent the spread of the virus where it flares up.

Keeping distance gives space to each other

It is now crucial to remain alert and vigilant. Those with symptoms should stay home and get tested. Only in this way do we maintain the space we have earned together. From July 1, the following general rules apply for indoors and outdoors. Rules that reflect what we now know about the spread of the virus.

General rules for indoor activities

  • We keep 1.5 meters distance from others.
  • Maximum 100 people per room with fixed seating (excluding staff).
  • No maximum number of people under the following conditions: fixed seating, reservation, and health check in advance.
  • In shops, museums, libraries, and other locations with visitor flow, 1.5 meters distance is the rule (locations ensure compliance). There is no maximum number of people.

General rules for outdoor activities

  • We keep 1.5 meters distance from others.
  • Maximum 250 people (excluding staff).
  • In hospitality, a fixed seat is always used.
    • No maximum number of people under the following conditions: fixed seating, reservation, and health check in advance.
  • In zoos, amusement parks, and other outdoor locations with visitor flow, 1.5 meters distance is the rule (locations ensure compliance). There is no maximum number of people.

Transport

  • In public transport, wearing a non-medical face mask is mandatory. All seats in buses, trains, trams, and metros are available. It remains important to avoid rush hours.
  • For other transport from A to B (such as taxis, minibuses, and coaches), reservation, health check in advance, and a non-medical face mask are mandatory.
  • In cars (and other private transport), a face mask is advised when multiple people travel together who do not belong to the same household.
  • In other transport, the rule for now is: keep 1.5 meters distance.

Children and youth

  • Children up to and including 12 years do not have to keep 1.5 meters distance among themselves or to adults. This also applies in childcare and primary education.
  • Youth up to 18 years do not have to keep 1.5 meters distance among themselves. This applies to all students (regardless of age) in secondary schools, which will fully reopen after the summer holidays; the 1.5 meters between students and teaching staff remains in effect.
  • From the new academic year, more educational activities may take place again at vocational schools, universities of applied sciences, and universities. Here, students keep 1.5 meters distance from others.

Exceptions

  • The rule is that everyone keeps 1.5 meters distance. But in some situations, this is not possible and the 1.5 meters may be temporarily waived. This concerns:
    • people who belong to one household;
    • contact between people in need of care and their caregivers;
    • people with contact professions (such as hairdressers, masseurs, and driving instructors);
    • athletes (indoors and outdoors), actors, and dancers.
  • Chanting, loud singing, or shouting in groups is not allowed.
    • For choirs and singing ensembles, rehearsing and performing is possible again. Under which conditions, the RIVM will advise shortly.
  • Discos and nightclubs remain closed until September 1.

Finally

If the situation allows and the virus remains under control, discos and nightclubs may open again in due course. This will be reviewed again around September 1. Meanwhile, work is ongoing worldwide on medicines and vaccines against the coronavirus. Ultimately, this should lead to lifting the general rules, such as keeping 1.5 meters distance. But as long as the virus exists, we must adhere to the general rules. Together we persevere. Because keeping corona under control is something we can only do together.