The Netherlands remains in a state of strict lockdown. Terraces, shops, and higher education may not open until April

Many people are still infected with the Coronavirus. And the pressure on hospitals remains very high. This is why the government will not relax any more, and this will not be justified. We stick to actions that we see working.

However, minor corrections were made to a number of current measures. The Cabinet is also looking forward. Starting March 31, there might be more room to relax. Only if the numbers allow, for example, can terraces and shops be opened under strict conditions.

Extension measures
All existing measures will be extended Until March 30th.

Another press conference will be held on March 23 to discuss what is possible after March 30th.

The curfew will be extended until March 31 4:30 a.m.
This means that everyone is staying home between 9 PM and 4:30 AM. There are a few exceptions during elections.

The travel advice will be extended until April 15th
This means: to stay in the Netherlands. Don’t travel until April 15th. To travel outside the Netherlands, do not travel except when absolutely necessary. On March 23, at the next press conference, there will be travel advice for the period that follows.

Minor adjustments to measures
The Cabinet is making a number of minor corrections to the current procedures. The following adjustments will take effect from Tuesday, March 16th.

Swimming lesson
Swimming lessons are available for children up to 12 years old, so they can obtain an A, B, or C diploma.

Shopping by appointment
When shopping by appointment applies to stores where two customers are allowed per floor. Or one customer per 25 square meters. All that at a distance of 1.5 meters from each other. A maximum of 50 customers may be in store at one time. The rule still applies to people setting an appointment at least four hours in advance, and that the store operates at intervals of at least ten minutes.

Sports
Adults aged 27 and over are permitted to exercise outside in sports facilities with a maximum of four people. The conditions are that they keep a distance of 1.5 meters. Up to the age of 26, it was already allowed to play sports in sports facilities, as a team, without maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters. The municipality can offer more possibilities for organized sports outside of sports facilities.

Theoretical exams
On site, exams and theory lessons can be organized again with the aim of driving or maintaining transportation. This only applies to people who need it to practice certain careers or for specific companies. People who have been imposed an educational procedure to improve their driving behavior can take the theory test again.

for travel
Lifting of the UK flight and sailing ban. The British variant of the Coronavirus has already spread in the Netherlands, which is why the flight and sailing bans no longer make sense. This is no longer effective as of March 9 00.01 AM NT. Current test obligations for travelers from the UK will still apply, as will urgent quarantine advice.

The entry ban has been expanded
The entry ban applies to travelers from countries outside the European Union. The exception list for this has been temporarily suspended for a number of groups. These exclusions apply again. This means that the following groups are permitted to re-enter the Netherlands: business travelers, students, highly skilled immigrants, professionals from the cultural and creative sector, and long-distance enthusiasts.

Minor adjustments to measures before March 16

Visiting arrangements for nursing homes
If nursing home residents are vaccinated, there is a place for two visitors per day. This can also be different visitors during the week. This amendment takes effect immediately.

for travel
Lifting the UK flight and docking ban. The British variant of the Coronavirus has already spread in the Netherlands, which is why this ban has no added value. This is no longer effective as of Tuesday 9 March 00.01 AM GMT. Current test obligations for travelers from the UK will still apply, as will urgent quarantine advice.

Possibility to relax from Wednesday, March 31
A number of relaxations are planned from March 31. These can only persist if the number of occupied intensive care beds remains constant and the reproduction number remains around 1. A decision on this will be made on 23 March.

Terraces
Diners can then open outdoor stands, under certain conditions. For example, registration, examination meeting and placement are mandatory. A maximum of fifty people can sit on the balcony.

selling by pieces
There will then be more room for more shops to open.

Visit
Two persons aged 13 or over are permitted to visit daily.

education
Under certain circumstances, it would be possible to provide more for Higher Professional Education (HBO) and University Education (WO). Students may then receive physical education no longer than one day per week.

Basic rules
The more we stick to the ground rules, the fewer injuries. The sooner we do more. This also increases the chance that the above facilitation will continue.

Health
Wash your hands regularly and carefully. Coughing and sneezing in the elbow. Keep a distance of 1.5 meters so that the chance of the virus is reduced as possible.

Limit your contacts
Make sure you meet as few people as possible: avoid crowds, work from home if possible, and limit your visits.

Stay home and get tested
If you have complaints, you stay home, even if these are mild complaints. Get tested as soon as possible. Then wait for the test result at home. Stay home if the test result is positive.

Vaccinations
Vaccination also has an effect on the number of infections. More and more elderly people are getting an injection. This leads to a decrease in the number of corona infections in nursing homes. It is currently expected that in July, every 18-year-old who wishes to be vaccinated will have a first injection.