Note: the date of this news report is August 6, 2020. Read the current information about the Dutch approach and measures against coronavirus.

Fortunately, many people still follow the basic rules. But what worries us is that many people do not. This is reflected in recent outbreaks. If we do not turn the tide together, we risk losing control over the spread of the coronavirus again. And we lose the progress we have made together in recent months.

Therefore, we support local authorities to use their powers to control the coronavirus and will tighten some national measures. This may mean that additional local measures can be imposed on top of the nationally applicable measures.

The measures we are now taking:

  1. Educational institutions organize their introduction activities as much as possible online. Physical activities can only take place in small groups and are informative in nature.
    Study associations and student sports associations may only organize physical activities insofar as these are necessary for the introduction of the study or sport. Physical meetings take place in small groups, end by 10:00 PM at the latest, and no alcohol is consumed.
    The management of the involved educational institution and the chairman of the safety region must give permission for the activities. Physical recruitment and introduction activities by student associations are not allowed.
  2. Hospitality works indoors and outdoors, regardless of the size of the establishment, based on reservation (in advance or at the door), a health check, and assigning a fixed seat (placement) at a table or bar. Additionally, all visitors are asked to register. Visitors voluntarily leave their name and contact details so the GGD can contact them in case of an infection related to the hospitality venue.
  3. Upon detection of a source infection by the GGD, chairmen of safety regions impose a closure of up to 14 days on recreational facilities (such as cinemas, hospitality businesses, amusement parks, theaters, museums, etc.).
  4. Initially at Schiphol, but later at other locations, a test lane will be set up for travelers from risk areas. Upon arrival, travelers get tested and go into home quarantine for 14 days. Those who do not get tested also go into home quarantine for 14 days.
  5. The chairmen of the safety regions have options to prevent and control coronavirus hotspots. These local and regional measures focus on compliance with the basic rules and preventing crowds so the virus does not spread further.

For example, the safety regions can:

  • limit hospitality opening hours;
  • introduce behavioral measures such as mandatory face masks in outdoor locations;
  • close locations such as parks or shopping centers;
  • close parking facilities, such as parking lots near the beach or city center;
  • manage public and traffic flows at busy places;
  • enforce the basic rules and monitor compliance within sectors;
  • ban large gatherings such as audiences in football stadiums or at training sessions.

They will also enforce more strictly again if necessary.

Control over the virus

The most important thing is that we all regain control over the virus. It is crucial to keep 1.5 meters distance from others and follow the basic rules. Especially at home. Consider the number of guests you can receive at home while maintaining 1.5 meters distance. Ensure your guests can follow hygiene measures. No hugs, no sitting next to each other on the couch. Many infections occur in the home situation.

Furthermore, it remains essential that everyone stays home when having symptoms and gets tested. This can prevent the majority of infections. A positive test result leads to source and contact tracing. This also strengthens insight into the virus spread. This way, we can quickly and effectively adjust and counteract the virus spread where it flares up.