Coronavirus update: the cabinet announced partial lockdown to curb the spread of the virus.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported 43,903 new coronavirus infections in the Netherlands last week – a worrying 60 percent increase from the previous week. Though the number of infections is increasing in all age groups, infections in the 18 to 24 group remain the highest. The cabinet has decided that stricter measures and tougher enforcement is needed to stem the spread of the virus.

The government also published a roadmap (in Dutch) to provide more clarity on further action if infections continue to rise.  

The following rules will be in effect from Wednesday, 14 October at 20:00 hrs:

• It is mandatory for everyone (13 years and above) to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces, including schools.
• All food and beverage establishments will close.
• All shops (except essential shops) will close at 20:00 hrs. at the latest.
• Sale of alcohol and soft drugs is prohibited; possession and consumption in public spaces is also prohibited between 20:00 and 07:00 hrs.
• All events are prohibited (with exceptions).
• Sports activities is only allowed if 1.5-metres distancing can be observed.
• All competitions are prohibited.
• A household can receive a maximum of 3 people (excluding children below 12 years) per day at home.
• Maximum number of 30 seated people are allowed indoors.
• Maximum of 4 people (excluding children below 12 years) may meet in a group both indoors and outdoors. No limit for people belonging to the same household.

The public is urgently advised to observe the basic coronavirus measures:

• Avoid busy places.
• Observe 1.5-metre social distancing.
• Work at home as much as possible.
• Wear a mask where necessary.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• If you have symptoms, get tested and stay at home.
• If you have a fever or are short of breath, all housemates must stay at home.

The official announcement is available on the government.nl site.

You can also download CoronaMelder (coronavirus detector) app to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The app will send you a notification if you have been near someone who tested positive for coronavirus, and you were around them for more than 15 minutes. This only works if that person is also using the app. The CoronaMelder uses Bluetooth technology – not GPS – and it does not use or store your location data.

Download this infographic for more information on the partial lockdown