Tough new coronavirus measures expected for the Netherlands ahead of tonight’s press conference

Prime Minister Mark Rutte is expected to announce stricter coronavirus measures for the Netherlands at 7 PM. 

Following a crisis meeting yesterday, cabinet sources have told RTL Nieuws that the measures are expected to be very tough. This may include the closure of all non-essential shops and transit locations such as museums and zoos.

The crisis meeting was called due to rising coronavirus numbers throughout the Netherlands and will continue this morning.

This evening’s measures will be announced from Rutte’s office The Torentje, the Dutch equivelant of the Oval Office.

Retail must be targeted

One political source has told AD that the cabinet now sees it as “logical to look at the retail trade” when considering where to close. Reports of packed shopping streets have been concerning for the RIVM with 9924 people reported as testing positive yesterday, and 9182 on Saturday.

If retail shops are closed, it’s likely that only essential stores, such as supermarkets, will remain open in the lead-up to Christmas. It will be the first time since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic that the Netherlands has fully closed the non-essential retail industry.

Education

In yesterday’s meeting, the cabinet also turned to the question of education. The expected measures remain uncertain. However, an additional week of Christmas break is a possibility.

Whilst secondary school education can be performed primarily online, this is a much more difficult task when it comes to primary education.

Transfer locations and contact professions

The cabinet is also looking to close “transfer locations.” These include places such as museums, zoos and swimming pools. The cabinet fears that people are no longer willing to abide by necessary restrictions such as social distancing.

“It is quite sad that the current package of measures does nothing anymore, the Dutch simply don’t stick to it anymore. Shops and streets are overcrowded, no distance is kept and people with complaints no longer stay at home. The pressure on healthcare is just getting too great” one cabinet source tells AD.

Contact professions such as hairdressers will also be discussed in today’s meeting. These professions were closed during the first lockdown.

Announcement tonight

It is expected that the Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, and Health Minister, Hugo De Jonge, will announce the latest measures tonight in a press conference. This will be following this morning’s meeting and one further meeting later today.

The new measures are expected to last from the last weeks in December into — and potentially through — January.

Do you think stricter measures are needed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock.com

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah originally arrived in the Netherlands due to an inability to make her own decisions — she was simply told by her mother to choose the Netherlands for Erasmus. Life here has been challenging (have you heard the language) but brilliant for Sarah, and she loves to write about it. When Sarah is not acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her sitting in a corner of Leiden with a coffee, trying to sound witty.

1 COMMENT

  1. I think there is a definite need for tougher measures. Whenever we have witnessed being out (out of necessity say going to the pharmacy/supermarket) and we browse outside most people do not wear masks nor keep a responsible distance. Its so important we all work together on this so we can potentially see a “normal” future. This way its going to take ages. There is a definite need for stronger measures in order to break this wave.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related posts

Latest posts

To switch or not to switch: here’s how changing energy contracts can save you money 

Energy prices in the Netherlands are finally declining, and savvy, money-saving Dutchies are looking for the best deals out there before their current energy...

Fall asleep in Amsterdam, wake up in Berlin! The NL has a new night train

Time flies when you’re having fun — or when you’re asleep. Luckily European Sleeper has launched a night train from Berlin to Brussels via...

A romantic film about FEBO? Yep, it’s a thing

This Italian Greek director was so captivated by the beloved snack wall that he made a romance film about it. The best part? This...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.