Opening plan: step by step more possible

Note: This is a news report from April 13, 2021. See the current Dutch measures against coronavirus.

Read the press conference text in simple language.

The first step in the opening plan will be taken at the earliest on April 28. Until then, current corona measures remain in effect.

However, after-school care (bso) will reopen for all children from April 19. For higher education, it still applies, as previously announced, that students can attend on-site classes one day a week from April 26. This is only possible if infection rates allow.

In the first step of the opening plan:

• terraces and shops open under conditions;
• the curfew is lifted; and
• someone may receive 2 people at home instead of 1.

This can happen at the earliest on April 28 and only if the number of hospital admissions of people with corona clearly decreases. On April 20 it will be announced whether this step can be taken on April 28.

The second step in the opening plan will be taken at the earliest on May 11. Then the number of new hospital admissions of corona patients must have clearly decreased further. Then more activities, such as sports, can resume. After that follows the third step in which more indoor activities are allowed, such as opening restaurants, cinemas, and museums under conditions. A maximum number of guests or visitors still applies. In the following steps, this number will be increased. Which measures will be lifted and when, if the figures allow, can also be seen in this overview of the opening plan.

With access testing, we hope to enable more possibilities faster. Pilots are now investigating how access testing can be used on a large scale safely and responsibly. For example, at more locations and events. Where exactly this will be, is still being worked out.

Vaccination is an important step towards a society without corona measures. According to the schedule, everyone aged 18 and over who wants to be vaccinated will have had a first shot by early July 2021.

Want to know when you are next? See the vaccination order for people not working in healthcare and the vaccination order for healthcare workers.

The basic rules help prevent infection of yourself and others with the coronavirus. Even if you are already vaccinated.

To prevent infection, it remains important to do the following.

• Wash your hands.
  Good hygiene prevents the spread of virus particles. Wash your hands often with water and soap. Especially when you come home or visit someone. Touch your face as little as possible. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Wear a face mask indoors in public spaces. This way you prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

• Keep 1.5 meters distance.
  Also from family or friends. If people are close together, the coronavirus can spread quickly to others. Therefore, limit your contacts and avoid crowded places.

• Get tested.
  If you have symptoms, stay home and get tested for corona immediately. Also with mild cold symptoms such as a runny nose. Stay home until you have the test result. This way you are sure you do not infect others with the coronavirus.