An extra two weeks of lockdown in the Netherlands after January 19 is likely

We sure hope you’ve been enjoying sitting on the couch in your underwear because the Dutch lockdown isn’t going anywhere. 

The current lockdown began on December 14 and is set in stone until January 19. However, sources in the Hague have told the NOS that an extension on the current period is very likely.

The cabinet believes that the number of infections remains too high and relaxing the current restrictions would send the wrong message.

Lockdown extension may be necessary

Prime Minister Mark Rutte said yesterday that he is not “very hopeful” about reopening businesses and schools after January 19.

He called the reopening of schools a “priority” but couldn’t promise that it would happen soon.

The RIVM has also agreed, saying that “the convincing effects of the lockdown” have not been seen yet.

However, an official extension hasn’t been announced yet. The Dutch cabinet is awaiting advice from the Outbreak Management Team before coming to a decision.

Numbers refuse to drop significantly

In Tuesday’s weekly figures, over 56,000 people tested positive for the virus. The Dutch cabinet is reportedly struggling with how to approach the huge number of infections in the Netherlands. Ministers are concerned that far too few people are working from home.

Nevertheless, sources in the Hague told the NOS that the introduction of a curfew is not likely at this stage.

Sit tight, stay inside, and tell Netflix “I’m still watching” — it’s going to be a long ride.

Do you think an extension of the Dutch lockdown is necessary? What other measures do you think should be taken? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Anna Shvets/Pexels

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺https://gallivantations.com
Sam has over six years experience writing about life in the Netherlands and leads the content team at DutchReview. She originally came to the Netherlands to study in 2016 and now holds a BA (Hons.) in Arts, a BA (Hons) in Journalism, and (almost) a Masters in Teaching. She loves to write about settling into life in the Netherlands, her city of Utrecht, learning Dutch, and jobs in the Netherlands — and she still can’t jump on the back of a moving bike (she's learning!).

2 COMMENTS

  1. Hey!
    I have a comment about the lock down. So the government closed all the business, but they give little space to help financially. I mean, if you have a small company as mine, you don’t get any help for the government and if you have a partner as i do, I don’t get Tozo as well because my partner earns more the minimum (1500€). So, I suppose to sit at home, do nothing and used all my savings and get broke….
    i am not sure, if the public aware of this situation.
    I hope we talk more about this then sit at home and watch Netflix.
    Thank you for reading my message.

  2. They should prohibit elderly people to go out and impose face masks in the playground. Primary Schools and daycare shall open because people meets in order to share the burden of having kids at home

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