Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes from June 26
From June 26 most of the coronavirus measures in the Netherlands are ending. While social distancing remains the norm, face masks will vanish in most places. Here’s what changes.
The Netherlands take big step in relaxing measures: almost everything allowed with 1.5-metre distancing
The government makes known that the vaccination drive in the Netherlands has picked up speed. Well over 13 million vaccine doses have been administered. Almost 5 million people have now been fully vaccinated and another 4 million have received their first dose. This week, 18-year-olds are also be able to make an appointment. This means that by mid-July everyone who wants to be vaccinated will have had their first dose, and in many cases their second too.
This is reflected in the number of new infections and the number of people being admitted to hospital with COVID-19, which are now both falling sharply.
Most restrictions are therefore no longer necessary. That is why the government has decided that step 4 of the reopening plan can be taken and that more restrictions than planned can be relaxed. From 26 June, all establishments can open their doors, but it is important the 1.5-metre distancing rule remains the norm everywhere. In situations where it is impossible for everyone to stay 1.5 metres apart, for example on public transport, at secondary schools and at festivals and other events, face masks must be worn or a coronavirus entry pass must be shown.
Basic rules must still be followed
Although the current developments are good news, the virus is still here. It is unpredictable and new variants continue to emerge. So we must be careful and stay alert. This includes following the basic rules.
- Good hygiene remains important. Wash your hands regularly. Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- If you develop symptoms, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible.
Some people can’t get vaccinated for health reasons, and others are still waiting for their second (or even first) vaccination. You should still be careful and give others space, especially where it is busy. Staying 1.5 metres apart is still the best thing you can do stop the virus spreading.
Step 4 of the reopening plan: from 26 June
Face masks
The requirement to wear a face mask will no longer apply in most situations. It will continue to apply only in situations where staying 1.5 apart is impossible. For example on public transport, on aeroplanes and other forms of passenger transport, at stations and airports, and in secondary schools.
Home working
People who are working at home can go to the office for no more than 50% of their working time, as long as social distancing can be observed, including in the lifts and canteen. People should travel outside rush hour as much as possible.
The recommendation to work from home unless this is not possible will change. From 26 June employees who currently work from home can, in consultation with their employer, work up to half of their hours at the office. People must stay 1.5 metres apart in offices at all times, including in lifts and cafeterias. The government is calling on people to travel to work outside peak hours as far as possible.
Socialising and culture
From 26 June restrictions on opening hours will be lifted. Certain conditions still apply at indoor and outdoor locations. At locations where people are seated, they must be given assigned seats 1.5 metres apart. This means that in theatres, for example, not all seats can be used and that in restaurants tables and chairs must be positioned a safe distance apart. Registration and a health check are mandatory. At locations where people move around, like shops and museums, the maximum capacity is 1 person per 5 square metres. If a coronavirus entry pass system is used, people do not have to stay 1.5 metres apart and locations may open at full capacity.
From 26 June, all events held in public venues, like hospitality venues, cinemas, conference centres and concert halls, are permitted. At locations where people have an assigned seat the maximum number of people is equal to the maximum number of seats available with 1.5-metre distancing. At locations where people move around, like shops and museums, the maximum number of visitors is 1 per 5 square metres. From 30 June other events that require a permit can be held subject to conditions.
Sports
Amateur sports matches and competitions can be held for all ages from 26 June. Spectators are permitted, but they must stay 1.5 metres apart.
No 1.5-metre distancing at locations and events using coronavirus entry pass system
At locations where a coronavirus entry pass system is used, people do not have to stay 1.5 metres apart. Currently, the only valid entry pass is a negative test result obtained through pre-admission testing. From 23 June proof of vaccination and proof of recovery can also be used. These 3 options can be displayed in the CoronaCheck app, which is being updated. Coronavirus entry passes are expected to be used mostly for festivals and other events. Dance venues, like nightclubs and discos, can also use a coronavirus entry pass system, in which case they can open without restrictions.
Alcohol ban and advice on singing, shouting and playing wind instruments
The ban on the sale of alcohol after 22.00 will be lifted on 26 June. The ban on drinking alcohol or having it on your person in public spaces after 22.00 will also be lifted. The urgent advice not to sing, shout or play wind instruments in groups will also no longer apply.
Travel
People travelling abroad from the Netherlands in July and August can get tested for free. These free tests are intended for people who are not yet fully vaccinated and are required to show a negative test result before travelling abroad. Holidaymakers are asked to voluntarily take a test on their return to the Netherlands (a self-test and a PCR test at a health board testing centre if they have them). The European digital coronavirus certificate should be a introduced by July 1 and will allow people to travel between EU countries more freely. However, as the Netherlands is still technically an ”orange” country, some countries may impose their own restrictions on people from NL.
The future
The basic rules continue to apply. In mid-August the government will decide how and when the final step of the reopening plan can be taken. This will involve lifting the 1.5 metre rule and the other basic rules.
[Source: The government of the Netherlands]
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This is an ongoing situation and it is advisable to check the websites of the relevant authorities to obtain the most up-to-date information.
To keep updated with advice from the government and the RIVM, head to:
http://government.nl/coronavirus