All eyes on Mark Rutte ahead of potential Dutch exit strategy
4 years, 8 months ago

All eyes on Mark Rutte ahead of potential Dutch exit strategy

Dutch News  

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is likely to face tough questioning when he addresses the media at 7pm on Wednesday evening to outline the next stage in the government’s strategy to stop the spread of coronavirus and kick-start the economy. Rutte is also widely expected to announce that secondary schools will reopen from June 1 and that cafe terraces can open – as long as the 1.5 metre rule is applied. Ministers and the public health body RIVM have been opposed to making masks compulsory, partly because they fear people could stop keeping to the 1.5 metre rule if they are wearing them. Contact tracing Another key issue in lifting the Dutch lockdown is that of expanding testing and setting up systems to track and trace the contacts of people who have been found to have the virus.

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History of this topic

Netherlands makes negative coronavirus test mandatory for travelers from China
2 years ago

Netherlands makes negative coronavirus test mandatory for travelers from China

NL Times  

Travelers arriving in the Netherlands from China will need a negative coronavirus test starting next Tuesday. Health Minister Ernst Kuipers decided to order the restriction after other European member states had already taken similar measures. Kuipers had asked the Eerste Kamer, the upper house of Parliament, to come back from recess so that the senators could urgently deal with a …

Netherlands last remaining face masks rules at airports expiring May 21: report
2 years, 7 months ago

Netherlands last remaining face masks rules at airports expiring May 21: report

NL Times  

The Netherlands plans to lift the requirement to wear a face mask at airports and on planes next Saturday, sources close to the Cabinet told De Telegraaf. Many countries have already relaxed the rules, but the Netherlands' interpreted the EASA's "strong recommendation" as an obligation to wear masks on planes, according to the newspaper. Airlines long pointed out the disparity …

Travelling abroad this summer? You may still need a coronavirus pass
2 years, 7 months ago

Travelling abroad this summer? You may still need a coronavirus pass

Dutch News  

Regional health boards are expecting a run on coronavirus vaccinations heading into the summer now that the European Union has extended its vaccine passport for a year, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday. ‘If the coronavirus entry pass remains in force in a certain country, then we expect the number of booster vaccinations to increase as we head towards the summer …

Travelling abroad this summer? You may still need a coronavirus pass
2 years, 7 months ago

Travelling abroad this summer? You may still need a coronavirus pass

Dutch News  

Regional health boards are expecting a run on coronavirus vaccinations heading into the summer now that the European Union has extended its vaccine passport for a year, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday. ‘If the coronavirus entry pass remains in force in a certain country, then we expect the number of booster vaccinations to increase as we head towards the summer …

Face masks no longer recommended on European flights from Monday
2 years, 7 months ago

Face masks no longer recommended on European flights from Monday

NL Times  

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency will no longer recommend that people on airplanes wear face masks. In the Netherlands, an official face mask obligation remains, but airlines have based in the country decided weeks ago they will no longer enforce the rule because of increased confusion over changing policies, and …

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD
2 years, 10 months ago

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD

Dutch News  

Government health advisors on the Outbreak Management Team will meet at the end of this week to discuss lifting the final coronavirus restrictions in operation in the Netherlands. The number of new coronavirus cases reached a three-week high at the weekend, following the Carnaval celebrations and the February half-term holidays and the number of new infections hit almost 67,000 in …

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD
2 years, 10 months ago

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD

Dutch News  

Government health advisors on the Outbreak Management Team will meet at the end of this week to discuss lifting the final coronavirus restrictions in operation in the Netherlands. The number of new coronavirus cases reached a three-week high at the weekend, following the Carnaval celebrations and the February half-term holidays and the number of new infections hit almost 67,000 in …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes today
2 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes today

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is scrapping most of its coronavirus rules over the next two weeks. Cafes, restaurants and bars may remain open until 1am but face masks and social distancing are dropped, although you should wear a mask when moving around. Face masks and social distancing no longer apply, but you should wear a mask when not seated. The remaining rules …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes today
2 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes today

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is scrapping most of its coronavirus rules over the next two weeks. Cafes, restaurants and bars may remain open until 1am but face masks and social distancing are dropped, although you should wear a mask when moving around. Face masks and social distancing no longer apply, but you should wear a mask when not seated. The remaining rules …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: What you need to know (February 15)
2 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: What you need to know (February 15)

Dutch News  

Almost two years to the day that the Netherlands confirmed its first case of coronavirus, most of the regulations will end. Some changes come into effect from today, more on February 18 and the rest on February 25, health minister Ernst Kuipers confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday evening. Cafes, restaurants and bars may remain open until 1am but …

Dutch poised to lift most remaining coronavirus restrictions
2 years, 10 months ago

Dutch poised to lift most remaining coronavirus restrictions

Dutch News  

The government is almost certain to announce it is suspending all the coronavirus rules from February 25, apart from the basic hygiene regulations, broadcaster NOS said on Monday evening. Cabinet sources have told the broadcaster that ministers are prepared to go further than the recommendations made by the Outbreak Management Team which were sent to parliament by health minister Ernst …

Dutch poised to lift most remaining coronavirus restrictions
2 years, 10 months ago

Dutch poised to lift most remaining coronavirus restrictions

Dutch News  

The government is almost certain to announce it is suspending all the coronavirus rules from February 25, apart from the basic hygiene regulations, broadcaster NOS said on Monday evening. Cabinet sources have told the broadcaster that ministers are prepared to go further than the recommendations made by the Outbreak Management Team which were sent to parliament by health minister Ernst …

Dutch bring back masks, and widen coronavirus pass checks, to little protest
3 years, 2 months ago

Dutch bring back masks, and widen coronavirus pass checks, to little protest

Dutch News  

The Netherlands brought back face masks in public buildings and shops, and expanded the use of the coronavirus pass system, on Saturday and most people seemed to accept the change without protest, according to Dutch media reports. The introduction of coronavirus passes to visit museums did not stop tens of thousands of people turning out to celebrate Museum Night on …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes on Saturday
3 years, 2 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes on Saturday

Dutch News  

New rules for wearing face masks and the use of coronavirus passes come into effect on Saturday, November 6 Here’s what you need to know” Face masks Masks will once again be compulsory in all public buildings where coronavirus passes are not required. This includes: Supermarkets and shops Libraries Government buildings and council offices Airports and railway stations Colleges and …

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules
3 years, 2 months ago

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is bringing in new measures to control coronavirus in a bid to reverse the sharp rise in new cases, and tougher rules are also in the pipeline if there is no improvement. The new plans were outlined by ministers at a press conference on Tuesday evening, shortly after officials raised the risk level to ‘severe’ now that the …

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules
3 years, 2 months ago

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is bringing in new measures to control coronavirus in a bid to reverse the sharp rise in new cases, and tougher rules are also in the pipeline if there is no improvement. The new plans were outlined by ministers at a press conference on Tuesday evening, shortly after officials raised the risk level to ‘severe’ now that the …

Dutch government poised to bring back masks and broaden 'test for entry'
3 years, 2 months ago

Dutch government poised to bring back masks and broaden 'test for entry'

Dutch News  

Face masks are set to return and the ‘test for entry’ system will be extended to gyms, swimming pools and museums when the government announces new coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, according to sources. The government will also urge people to revert to working from home 50% of the time, a month after social distancing was formally abolished and the work …

Dutch government poised to bring back masks and broaden 'test for entry'
3 years, 2 months ago

Dutch government poised to bring back masks and broaden 'test for entry'

Dutch News  

Face masks are set to return and the ‘test for entry’ system will be extended to gyms, swimming pools and museums when the government announces new coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, according to sources. The government will also urge people to revert to working from home 50% of the time, a month after social distancing was formally abolished and the work …

KPMG criticises Dutch coronavirus strategy, intervention was often too late
3 years, 2 months ago

KPMG criticises Dutch coronavirus strategy, intervention was often too late

Dutch News  

Some 18 months after the start of the crisis, accountancy group KPMG has published a critical report on the Dutch approach to tackling coronavirus. Some 24,000 more people died in the Netherlands that would have been statistically expected but there were hardly any excess deaths in Denmark, Norway and Finland, KPMG health economist David Ikkersheim said. And while the Netherlands, …

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister
3 years, 3 months ago

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister

Dutch News  

Caretaker health minister Hugo de Jonge has said facemasks on public transport should not be scrapped because the danger to vulnerable people would be too great. Last week, Dutch rail director Marjan Rintel said obligatory mask wearing on public transport is becoming ‘difficult to explain’ when people are told to wear masks on the train but not at a shopping …

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister
3 years, 3 months ago

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister

Dutch News  

Caretaker health minister Hugo de Jonge has said facemasks on public transport should not be scrapped because the danger to vulnerable people would be too great. Last week, Dutch rail director Marjan Rintel said obligatory mask wearing on public transport is becoming ‘difficult to explain’ when people are told to wear masks on the train but not at a shopping …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (August 13)
3 years, 4 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (August 13)

Dutch News  

Prime minister Mark Rutte outlined the next stages in the dismantling of the Netherlands’ coronavirus regulations on Friday, and set November 1 as the target date for when things will be back to normal. August 30 The 1.5 metre rule will end in colleges and universities, although students will have to wear a mask when moving around, self test twice …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (August 13)
3 years, 4 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (August 13)

Dutch News  

Prime minister Mark Rutte outlined the next stages in the dismantling of the Netherlands’ coronavirus regulations on Friday, and set November 1 as the target date for when things will be back to normal. August 30 The 1.5 metre rule will end in colleges and universities, although students will have to wear a mask when moving around, self test twice …

England will soon abandon almost all coronavirus restrictions. The Netherlands shows what could happen next
3 years, 5 months ago

England will soon abandon almost all coronavirus restrictions. The Netherlands shows what could happen next

ABC  

On Monday, England will do away with all of its legal coronavirus restrictions in what many people have dubbed "Freedom Day". There are dissenting voices though, with many experts and medical professionals voicing their concerns that removing all restrictions at once could lead to out of control infections and allow new coronavirus variations to emerge – with England's Chief Medical …

MP’s want Covid access tests to return soon; No face mask demand planned
3 years, 5 months ago

MP’s want Covid access tests to return soon; No face mask demand planned

NL Times  

A parliamentary majority wants the Testing for Access system for festivals and events to be reinstated as soon as possible. The events sector needs perspective and the cabinet therefore has to clarify before August 13 how the test system can be resumed "safely and responsibly", the VVD, D66, and CDA said in a motion filed during a parliamentary debate on …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes from June 26
3 years, 6 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes from June 26

Dutch News  

From June 26 most of the coronavirus measures in the Netherlands are ending – and many clubs already opened at midnight for people with a negative test or who had been vaccinated. Bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, concert halls and everywhere with fixed seating can reopen with 1.5 metre distancing and without if they use ‘test for entry’ checks on all …

Netherlands opens up: Major set of Covid restrictions dropped today
3 years, 6 months ago

Netherlands opens up: Major set of Covid restrictions dropped today

NL Times  

Saturday marks the day the Netherlands will drop a large number of its coronavirus measures as the government moves on with the fourth and fifth steps of its six-step plan to exit the lockdown. Nightclubs will also be allowed to open their doors again, provided visitors are fully vaccinated or can provide proof of a negative coronavirus test that was …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (June 18)
3 years, 6 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (June 18)

Dutch News  

Over five million people in the Netherlands are fully vaccinated and four million people have had their first dose – enough, the government has decided – to relax most of the coronavirus measures currently in place from June 26. However, if they opt to use the ‘test for entry’ system – whereby visitors show a QR code that proves they …

Keep social distancing, face masks can go: Outbreak Team's advice
3 years, 6 months ago

Keep social distancing, face masks can go: Outbreak Team's advice

NL Times  

The Outbreak Management Team advised the Dutch government to keep the social distancing measure against the coronavirus in place until at least mid-August. Mandatory face masks can be scrapped from June 26, except for on public transport and airports, the team said, sources close to the Cabinet told RTL Nieuws. The outbreak team chose mid-August for scrapping social distancing, because …

Mandatory face mask rule could be abolished next week, Heath Minister says
3 years, 6 months ago

Mandatory face mask rule could be abolished next week, Heath Minister says

NL Times  

The rule obligating people to wear face masks in many indoor public spaces in the Netherlands could disappear as early as next week, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said after a meeting of ministers on Wednesday. The final decision will be made on Friday prior to the next prime time coronavirus press conference, he told reporters gathered outside. The decision …

NL residents most excited to ditch face masks post-pandemic
3 years, 7 months ago

NL residents most excited to ditch face masks post-pandemic

NL Times  

85 percent of Netherlands residents are looking forward to a time with no more coronavirus restrictions. The measure they're most eager to ditch, is wearing face masks - two thirds are excited to get rid of the masks, I&O Research found in its monthly survey on the coronavirus measures, NOS reports. "There is a feeling of liberation among the population …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes today
3 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes today

Dutch News  

The government is pressing ahead with relaxing some of the coronavirus rules from today, despite the continuing pressure on the healthcare system. A survey by hospitality industry magazine Misset Horeca found that 70% of cafe owners don’t think opening terraces for such a limited period in the day will be profitable, although most are planning to open. Shops and markets …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (April 20)
3 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (April 20)

Dutch News  

Relaxing some of the coronavirus rules is a responsible approach, despite the current high rate of new infections, prime minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday. Shops and markets The appointment system for non-essential shops will end on April 28 and shops will be allowed to admit customers on spec, providing they wear masks, practice social distancing and limit numbers. Bars …

Mandatory face masks & the full list of coronavirus restrictions as of Dec. 1
4 years, 1 month ago

Mandatory face masks & the full list of coronavirus restrictions as of Dec. 1

NL Times  

The Temporary Measures Act Covid-19 takes effect in the Netherlands today, to form a legal basis for the measures in place to try and curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country. In addition to making face masks mandatory in public spaces, the law also gives parliament more power to approve measures. From today, everyone in the Netherlands aged …

From December 1, wear a mask in public indoor spaces or face fine
4 years, 1 month ago

From December 1, wear a mask in public indoor spaces or face fine

Dutch News  

Face masks will be compulsory in all public buildings, shops, and stations from tomorrow as the coronavirus law comes into effect, and people who refuse to wear one face a fine of €95. Retail chains, such as Ahold, which comprises Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall, have already said they will ‘inform customers about the obligation but not refuse …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: What you need to know November 18
4 years, 1 month ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: What you need to know November 18

Dutch News  

The tougher coronavirus measures imposed two weeks ago – such as the closure of museums and swimming pools – will be lifted again on Wednesday at midnight and are likely to be in operation until mid December. Daily life: You may have no more than three visitors to your home in a 24 hour period, excluding children under the age …

Mandatory masks: €95 fine for not complying, no criminal record
4 years, 1 month ago

Mandatory masks: €95 fine for not complying, no criminal record

NL Times  

Minister Ferdinand Grapperhaus of Justice and Security wants to make face masks mandatory in indoor public spaces, with a fine of 95 euros for non-compliance. Currently Netherlands residents are "urgently advised" to wear masks in publicly accessible indoor spaces. On Wednesday the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights said that the government sufficiently demonstrated that making masks mandatory is an effective …

Freedom to spread? Why the Dutch are near the top of coronavirus infection charts
4 years, 2 months ago

Freedom to spread? Why the Dutch are near the top of coronavirus infection charts

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is heading for the top of the charts – but, in the words of last year’s catchy Eurovision Song Contest winner, the country seems to be playing a losing game. On Friday afternoon, prime minister Mark Rutte’s exasperation during a press conference, as he urged people to follow the country’s rules, was enough for journalists to point it …

Freedom to spread? Why the Dutch are near the top of coronavirus infection charts
4 years, 2 months ago

Freedom to spread? Why the Dutch are near the top of coronavirus infection charts

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is heading for the top of the charts – but, in the words of last year’s catchy Eurovision Song Contest winner, the country seems to be playing a losing game. On Friday afternoon, prime minister Mark Rutte’s exasperation during a press conference, as he urged people to follow the country’s rules, was enough for journalists to point it …

Gov't advice to wear masks in public space met with skepticism
4 years, 3 months ago

Gov't advice to wear masks in public space met with skepticism

NL Times  

On Wednesday Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued the urgent advice for all Netherlands residents to wear masks in publicly accessible indoor spaces. Hospitality association KHN doubts whether the advice to wear masks in public makes sense, the association said in a press release. Roel Coutinho, who preceded Jaap van Dissel as head of public health institute RIVM, is pleased that …

Dutch students strongly advised to wear face masks at secondary schools
4 years, 3 months ago

Dutch students strongly advised to wear face masks at secondary schools

NL Times  

Students and staff at secondary schools in the Netherlands should also adhere to the "urgent advice" issued by Prime Minister Mark Rutte to wear face masks in specific indoor spaces as coronavirus infections continued to break records, including over 3,300 new infections on Wednesday. "I would like to argue that this should not apply to secondary schools," he said, as …

Rutte: Face masks "urgently advised" in public places
4 years, 3 months ago

Rutte: Face masks "urgently advised" in public places

NL Times  

Over seven months after the first known case of the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus was discovered in the Netherlands, the ruling Dutch Cabinet has decided to issue an urgent and immediate advice for people to wear face masks in indoor spaces which are accessible to the public. The Prime Minister also said that the Cabinet will not make masks a legal …

“Drastic” intervention needed to stop coronavirus advance: ICU leader
4 years, 3 months ago

“Drastic” intervention needed to stop coronavirus advance: ICU leader

NL Times  

It is time for the government to consider "drastic intervention" in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus, including unpopular measures like mandatory face masks in public spaces, Ernst Kuipers, chairman of the Netherlands' National Acute Care Network, said to NPO Radio 1. "With the rapidly increasing infections, it is clear that the measures that were introduced ten days …

Amsterdam and Rotterdam stop requiring face masks in busy places
4 years, 4 months ago

Amsterdam and Rotterdam stop requiring face masks in busy places

Dutch News  

Amsterdam and Rotterdam are stopping an experiment with face masks in busy places at the end of August. In a press release, Amsterdam added that ‘depending on the level of infections in the city’ as well as these results, it would decide whether or not to reintroduce obligatory face masks. The face mask experiment, which started in early August, covered …

Amsterdam, Rotterdam to end face mask obligations on Monday
4 years, 4 months ago

Amsterdam, Rotterdam to end face mask obligations on Monday

NL Times  

Visitors to a number of crowded areas in Amsterdam and Rotterdam will no longer have to wear a face mask from Monday. Due to the weather being less hot, and the end of the main tourist season, it will likely be easier to keep 1.5 meters apart on the busiest places," Veiligheidsregio Amsterdam-Amstelland said. Retailers in both cities complained that …

Strong support for Dutch coronavirus policy; Public split on face masks indoors
4 years, 4 months ago

Strong support for Dutch coronavirus policy; Public split on face masks indoors

NL Times  

The vast majority of Netherlands residents still support the Dutch government's approach to the coronavirus pandemic, though some of the specific measures against the spread of Covid-19 can count on less support. 75 percent of Netherlands residents support the government's general approach to the pandemic. Support for measures that has to do with public health has been declining steadily since …

Former RIVM chief criticises 'open-ended' Dutch approach to coronavirus
4 years, 5 months ago

Former RIVM chief criticises 'open-ended' Dutch approach to coronavirus

Dutch News  

The previous head of the infections diseases department at Dutch public health institute RIVM has criticised the government’s strategy for dealing with coronavirus, saying it is inconsistent and open-ended. The former RIVM chief, who left the agency in 2013, also said he considers face masks should be compulsory nationwide in shops and restaurants and for people whose job involves close …

Dutch urged to keep their distance after 'worrying' rise in coronavirus cases
4 years, 5 months ago

Dutch urged to keep their distance after 'worrying' rise in coronavirus cases

Dutch News  

The Dutch public health institute has again repeated calls for people to avoid busy places, as the number of positive coronavirus tests in the country doubles. ‘This development is worrying,’ RIVM spokeswoman Susan van den Hof told broadcaster NOS. ‘The number of infections is increasing sharply and the fact it has not stablised gives cause for concern.’ The surge in …

Dutch urged to keep their distance after 'worrying' rise in coronavirus cases
4 years, 5 months ago

Dutch urged to keep their distance after 'worrying' rise in coronavirus cases

Dutch News  

The Dutch public health institute has again repeated calls for people to avoid busy places, as the number of positive coronavirus tests in the country doubles. ‘This development is worrying,’ RIVM spokeswoman Susan van den Hof told broadcaster NOS. ‘The number of infections is increasing sharply and the fact it has not stablised gives cause for concern.’ The surge in …

Dutch position on face masks is confusing and damages trust: what the papers say
4 years, 5 months ago

Dutch position on face masks is confusing and damages trust: what the papers say

Dutch News  

The Dutch government has decided not to give in to mounting pressure and make wearing face masks compulsory in public places and shops. ‘It is part of a trend of being far too definitive in communication about things which are not so certain.’ The AD consulted several behavioural psychologists about the plan who said they are concerned that allowing regional …

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