After pleas from shopkeepers and municipalities alike, the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) sees the possibility to relax measures for education, sports, and retail in what seems like a much-needed comeback for these sectors.

In the meantime, the cultural and catering industries will have to wait a bit longer, reports NU.nl.

A change of heart

The cabinet, RIVM experts, and the OMT are discussing the coronavirus situation, but a decision has not been made regarding the reopening of these sectors. The first press conference with the new Dutch cabinet will give the final word tomorrow.

The hard lockdown is set to end on Saturday, January 15, and due to the advice of the OMT, university and MBO students may get the chance for physical lessons again. There is also a chance that shopping and hairdresser appointments may return.

However, the cabinet wants to give business owners some leeway and “take things in small steps” to work on a proper reopening.

Hope for the future?

Although the omicron variant’s infection peak is still expected to hit the Netherlands, this seems like a big turn of events for the cabinet and OMT to consider relaxing restrictions. Despite the rate of coronavirus infections, many business owners have announced their reopening regardless of restrictions given the economic circumstances of these businesses.

On a brighter note, Belgian virologist Marc van Ranst has told Het Parool that the omicron variant is more similar to the flu. And there are other studies showing significantly fewer hospitalisations.

What do you think of the relaxation of restrictions for education, sports, and shops? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Feature Image: RODNAE Productions/Pexels

The best time of your life, that’s what many say about the university years. Well, during the coronavirus pandemic it sure isn’t.

With almost two years of an on-and-off lockdown that kept many universities closed, mental health issues amongst students are on the rise, RTL Nieuws reports.

And now, another lockdown. While childcare facilities and middle schools were allowed to open, universities have been forced to shut their doors yet again.

Now, the Dutch Association for Psychiatry has sent an open letter of appeal to the OMT (Outbreak Management Team), pleading for higher education to open up again. And for good reason.

Mental health issues on the rise

“The lockdown is meant to prevent sickness, but it is the lockdown that makes people sick,” says Elnathan Prinsen, the Chair of the Dutch Association for Psychiatry.

He says that more and more students are experiencing serious states of anxiety, depression, burnout and loneliness, that resemble actual symptoms of mental illness.

Prinsen also says that three-quarters of mental illnesses develop before the age of twenty-one during late adolescence. The years 18 to 20 are especially important to develop good brain health.

Staring at a screen all day everyday

Anyone surprised by that? If you’ve started your studies sometime in the last two years, you might have never met your classmates or teachers. Or seen a classroom from the inside.

Instead, you’re staring at black boxes with names without any real-life contact. Sitting alone in your room, staring at a screen all day.

No long nights getting to know your life-long friends over drinks, and at parties. No clubbing, no borrels, no social life whatsoever.

A letter to the OMT

All these reasons have led Prinsen and the Dutch Association for Psychiatry to write a letter of appeal to the OMT, urging the Dutch government to allow universities and other high education facilities to open again.

New measures will be announced on Friday, January 14, regarding the extension or adjustment of the ongoing lockdown.

What is your experience as a student in the Netherlands during the coronavirus pandemic? Tell us in the comments!

Feature Image: dragana.stock@gmail.com/Depositphotos

Several municipalities in the Netherlands have written and signed a brandbrief (pressing letter) to the cabinet, asking them to reopen non-essential shops.

With fears of the continuation of a lockdown, municipalities worry about the consequences for shopkeepers, reports RTL Nieuws. 😥

Concerns across the country

Some municipalities are calling for different policies when it comes to opening non-essential shops. They recognise that appropriate safety measures will be needed to reopen — but many business owners seem ready to comply.

Other non-essential shops are taking matters into their own hands by protesting and opening their doors to customers, regardless of the consequences set by municipalities and the cabinet. 🪧

After Dutchies ventured to Belgium for Christmas shopping, non-essential shopkeepers in the Netherlands are desperate to get out of lockdown — and honestly, who else isn’t?

What do you think of non-essential stores reopening? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! 🗯

Feature Image: harrybeugelink@gmail.com/Depositphotos