Avoid Crowds, Keep 1.5 Meters Distance

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

Read the information about the steps after May 11, 2020 in simple language.

Therefore, the following applies to everyone:

• Wash your hands often.
• Cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
• Use paper tissues to blow your nose and dispose of them afterwards.
• Do not shake hands.
• Keep 1.5 meters distance (2 arm lengths) from others.
• Work from home as much as possible.

Are you sick?

• Stay home if you have cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, or a temperature up to 38 degrees Celsius.
• If you also have fever and/or shortness of breath, household members must also stay home. If you have no symptoms for 24 hours, you may go outside again.

Are you 70 years or older or have a vulnerable health condition?

• Be extra careful. It may be wise to stay home as much as possible for now.

Avoid crowds and give each other space

• Always ensure you can keep 1.5 meters distance from others.
• If that is not possible, go somewhere else.

The Dutch approach to corona has worked well to keep the consequences of the virus under control. The risk is certainly not gone yet, but if we adhere to the main measures, more space will gradually become available.

The cabinet starts by adjusting measures locally in neighborhoods. This causes little crowding on the streets, in traffic, and public transport. Then adjustments follow at regional level, then national level. Allowing groups goes from small to large to keep everything manageable and organized. Details will be further worked out in the coming period. From May 11, 2020, the following applies:

School

• Primary schools, including special (primary) education, day and childminder care open on May 11, 2020.

Sports and play

• Children up to 12 years old can play sports, exercise, and participate in activities outside under supervision.
• Youth aged 13 to 18 may play sports outside under supervision, but with 1.5 meters distance between them.
• Outdoor group sports are allowed for all ages from May 11, if 1.5 meters distance can be maintained. No competitions, no shared changing rooms or showers.

Supplement May 11, 2020: youth aged 13 to 18 may also participate in activities together (such as scouting) with 1.5 meters distance.

Contact professions

• Most contact professions are possible again. This includes driving instructors, (para)medical professions (dietitian, masseur, occupational therapist, dental prosthetist, etc.), personal care workers (hairdresser, beautician, pedicure, etc.) and alternative medicine (acupuncturist, homeopath, etc.).
• Work is organized as much as possible at 1.5 meters distance.
• Work is by appointment, where entrepreneur/employee and customer discuss beforehand if the visit poses a risk.

Libraries

• Libraries open their doors to the public again and take measures so visitors can keep 1.5 meters distance from each other.

Public transport

• Use public transport only if really necessary, avoid rush hour and give each other space.
• In trains, buses and metros, you are advised to wear non-medical face masks. This is mandatory from June 1.

About face masks

In some situations it is not possible to keep 1.5 meters distance. For travelers and employees in public transport, it is therefore mandatory from June 1 to wear non-medical face masks. To prevent shortages in healthcare, these masks may not be those intended for healthcare. For contact professions, a prior check reduces many risks. Wearing face masks is then not necessary, but everyone is free to use them.

These relaxations are possible because customers of these sectors mainly come from the neighborhood. So there is no pressure on public transport. Also, at hairdressers, opticians, pedicures and the like, health advice such as hand washing can be easily followed. Finally, the chance of group formation in public spaces is small with these relaxations.

In other sectors, such as hospitality, there is a strong call for easing measures. The cabinet understands this well, because the measures demand a lot from us and the consequences are great. Therefore, the cabinet wants to proceed step by step, together with companies and organizations that have made plans for the 1.5 meter society.

Easing measures is only possible if the virus remains under control. The 1.5 meter distance always remains in effect. If really necessary, a decision to give more space can and must be reversed.

Expectation for June 1, 2020

If the virus remains under control, the following is intended to be allowed:

• Secondary education (the way this will be done is still being worked out);
• Terraces with seating where 1.5 meters distance is maintained;
• Cinemas, restaurants and cafes, and cultural institutions (such as concert halls and theaters) may open under conditions:
  • a maximum of 30 persons (including staff) and 1.5 meters distance;
  • visitors must make reservations;
  • in a prior conversation between entrepreneur and customer, the risk of a visit is assessed.
• Museums and monuments may open if visitors buy tickets in advance, so that 1.5 meters distance can be managed.

Because it will probably be busier in public transport around June 1, it will become more difficult to keep 1.5 meters distance at some point. Therefore, from June 1 everyone is required to wear non-medical face masks in public transport.

Expectation for June 15, 2020

If the virus remains under control, secondary vocational education (MBO) can again hold exams and practical lessons. A plan is being made to further open MBO and also higher education in due course.

Expectation for July 1, 2020

If the virus remains under control, from July 1 the shared toilets and showers at campsites and holiday parks can reopen. Also, the maximum number of visitors can hopefully be increased to 100 persons for cinemas, restaurants and cafes, cultural institutions. This also applies to organized gatherings such as church services, weddings and funerals.

Expectation for September 1, 2020

If the virus remains under control, the door will also open for fitness clubs, saunas and wellness centers, club canteens, coffeeshops, casinos and sex workers.

All contact sports and indoor sports are again possible for all ages. Sports matches can take place without an audience. This also applies to professional football.

Decisions about events with large audiences, such as festivals and large concerts, will be made before September 1.