Note. This is a news report from March 23. Read the current information about the Dutch approach and measures against the coronavirus.
On Monday, March 23, the cabinet took additional measures in the approach to the coronavirus. Prime Minister Rutte and ministers De Jonge, Grapperhaus, and Van Rijn explained the measures (based on advice from the RIVM) during a press conference on Monday, March 23, 2020.
The tightened and new measures are:
- Stay home as much as possible. Only go outside for work if you cannot work from home, for groceries, or to care for others. You can get some fresh air, but do not do this in a group. Always keep distance from others (at least 1.5 meters) and avoid social activities and groups of people. Also at home: a maximum of three visitors and keep distance from each other.
- If you cough, sneeze, and/or have a cold, it was already advised: stay home. If you also have a fever, everyone in the household must now stay home. People in crucial professions and vital processes are exempt unless they become ill themselves.
- All gatherings are banned until June 1 (instead of April 6), even with fewer than 100 people. Funerals and church weddings are exceptions, more information will follow later.
- Shops and public transport are required to take measures to ensure people keep their distance, for example through door policies.
- For hairdressers, beauticians, and other so-called contact professions in personal care, it applies until April 6 that they unfortunately may no longer practice their profession. For example, physiotherapists should work as much as possible via video calling.
- Casinos now fall under the same measure as food and drink establishments and will close as of March 24, 2020.
- At locations such as holiday parks, measures must be taken to ensure people keep 1.5 meters distance. If this is not possible, municipalities may close these locations.
- Mayors can designate areas where group formation is prohibited. This can be parks, beaches, or neighborhoods. Enforcement applies to groups of 3 or more who do not keep 1.5 meters distance. Persons in the same household, such as families, and children are exempt.
- Markets are excluded from this because in some places in the country they are an essential part of the food chain. However, municipalities and market masters must ensure sufficient distance is guaranteed.
- The government also wants to better enforce existing measures. Therefore, mayors have the possibility to act more easily and quickly via emergency ordinances. Mayors can close specific locations, such as parks, beaches, and campsites. Fines can also be imposed.
Previously announced measures remain in effect. See the page with more information about the approach to the coronavirus for more information.
The measures fit within the Dutch approach to the coronavirus, aimed at not overburdening healthcare capacity and helping the most vulnerable people. The approach and measures are based on advice from experts who meet in the Outbreak Management Team chaired by Jaap van Dissel, director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Control at the RIVM.