Note: the date of this news item is December 8, 2020. Read the current information about the Dutch approach and measures against the coronavirus.

This means that at home, a maximum of 3 visitors per day are still allowed. The hospitality industry remains closed. Adults may only exercise at a 1.5-meter distance. There is a strong recommendation to work from home unless absolutely necessary. And we do not travel abroad unless strictly necessary.

  • Read the news item of December 8 in simple language.
  • Lees het nieuwsbericht Partial lockdown continues to apply during festive season in Dutch.

Festive season

The holidays will be spent in small and homey circles. But with some creativity and resourcefulness, we can still be together during the holidays. For example, by meeting in small groups on different days or eating together via a digital connection.

During the holidays, it is especially important to continue following the basic measures. We keep 1.5 meters distance from people from another household, also at the table or during the celebration. Choose the place with the most space where possible, so you can keep distance more easily. We wash our hands often, for example when entering somewhere or before eating. And with any symptoms, however mild, we stay home, do not go outside or visit others, and get tested. Those infected call on others for help, for example for groceries and other chores, so the infected person can stay home.

Also, during preparations for the holidays, this is important. Shop purposefully, shop in the morning or on weekdays, and go alone. Municipalities and shop owners take measures to help people comply with the rules and limit crowds.

Changes

Curaçao has an orange travel advice due to corona starting today, December 8. This means travel to Curaçao is discouraged. Those returning from Curaçao must quarantine at home.

From December 17, top athletes in top sports competitions may train and play matches again. For them, the national competition is important to keep up with the international top. During sports, the distance rule does not apply, and in this exceptional case, they may train with more than 4 people and be in one room with more than 30 people. Footballers in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie and top athletes with status at designated top sports locations were already allowed to train and play matches.

Outlook

At the same time, the cabinet is looking at what will be possible in the future. From mid-January, the cabinet wants to hold controlled experiments with audiences at sports matches and at theater and business conferences. The goal is to investigate how to organize such events as safely as possible once there is room for it again.

Vaccination

A first schedule has been made of who will receive which type of vaccination at the start of the corona vaccination, and at which locations these vaccines will be administered. Nursing home care workers receive the first invitation. This group will be vaccinated at about 30 vaccination locations, which the GGD will set up across the country. After nursing home staff, workers from disability care and home care follow. Parallel to vaccinating these care workers, vaccination of residents of nursing homes and institutions for people with intellectual disabilities will start as soon as possible. These groups will receive vaccination in their own living environment. Everyone involved in preparations is doing everything possible to administer the first shot as early as January.

Read more about vaccination against the coronavirus.

Support measures and attention for each other

The virus and measures have a significant impact on society and parts of the economy. Therefore, the cabinet supports entrepreneurs and workers with the support and recovery package. Ministers of Economic Affairs and Climate, Social Affairs and Employment, and Finance will provide further explanation about the latest adjustments to support measures tomorrow, December 9.

Especially during December, it is important to look out for each other. Especially people who feel lonely or find it difficult to cope with the partial lockdown need extra phone calls, visits, or cards during this period. The campaign Attention for Each Other collects initiatives from across the country and spreads stories that can inspire others to do something extra for the people around us. See the website: www.aandachtvoorelkaar.nl for more information.