Coronavirus update: Lockdown in the Netherlands from 15 December

Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced immediate lockdown measures in the Netherlands. The goal is to reduce contact between people to lower coronavirus infections. The lockdown measures will be in effect from 15 December till at least 19 January. An update will be given on 12 January about the next course of action.

Services at The Hague International Centre remain unchanged. Do refer to our revised services page for current services and measures at the Centre.

Below are some key measures and exceptions to take note of. Please visit government.nl for the official announcement and full set of lockdown measures.

• Schools will close from Wednesday, 16 December till at least 18 January. This applies to daycare centres and primary till university educational institutions. Exceptions apply.
• All non-essential shops will close. Essential shops like supermarkets, food retail shops, pharmacies, drug stores, opticians, etc. may stay open.
• All public spaces will close. This includes theatres, concert halls, cinemas, casinos, zoos, amusement parks, etc.
• Indoor sports locations such as gyms, swimming pools, saunas, spas, etc will close.
• Cafes and restaurants remain closed.
• Non health-related contact-based professions such as hairdressers, nail salons, sex establishments will close.
• Urgent advice to work from home.
• Public transport is only for essential travel.
• Do not book a trip or travel overseas till March.
• Go outdoors alone with your household or with a maximum of 2 people in a group.
• Receive a maximum of 2 people aged 13 or older at home.

Some exceptions:

• Hotels are open, but restaurants and room service in a hotel are closed.
• On 24, 25 and 26 December you can receive 3 people at home aged 13 or older.
• Outdoor sports is allowed for adults alone or in pairs. Children up to 17 years old are allowed to play sports in a team and can play matches among themselves outdoors.

Download this infographic for an overview of the current lockdown rules: