Additional measures for education, hospitality, sports

Note: the date of this news item is March 15, 2020. Read the current information about the Dutch approach and measures against the coronavirus.

On Sunday, March 15, the cabinet took additional measures to tackle the coronavirus. Schools and daycare centers will be closed until Monday, April 6. The same applies to food and drink establishments (not hotels) and sports and fitness clubs.

Minister Bruins (Medical Care) and Minister Slob (Primary and Secondary Education and Media) explained the measures (based on advice from the RIVM) during a press conference. The measures are:

• Schools and daycare centers will be closed from Monday, March 16 until Monday, April 6. This concerns primary education, secondary education, and vocational education (MBO).
• For children of parents in essential professions such as healthcare, police, public transport, and fire brigade, care will be provided at school and daycare so their parents can continue working. This care is free of charge. Click here for a list of crucial professions.
• Teachers will organize distance education for children who stay at home, prioritizing final exam students in secondary and vocational education.
• All food and drink establishments will be closed from Sunday, March 15, 6:00 PM until Monday, April 6.

Addition March 16, 4:00 PM: Delivery and take-away remain possible. Avoid crowds, keep distance from others, and take your consumption home (do not eat on site).

• Sports and fitness clubs, saunas, sex clubs, and coffee shops will be closed from Sunday, March 15, 6:00 PM until Monday, April 6.

Addition March 16, 6:40 PM: Coffee shops can remain open for orders that are picked up.

• Everyone in the Netherlands is asked to keep 1.5 meters distance where possible, for example when shopping.
• All previously taken measures are extended until Monday, April 6.

The cabinet is taking various measures to help entrepreneurs who are at risk of problems. For example, there is a short-time working scheme, the tax authorities can grant payment deferrals, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy expands the SME guarantee scheme. Entrepreneurs in sectors such as hospitality or travel who suffer because customers stay home or the business temporarily closes can more easily obtain loans. More information about the possibilities can be obtained from the advisory team of the Chamber of Commerce.