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Dutch coronavirus measures may only ease in March (at the earliest): OMT

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Dutch coronavirus measures may only ease in March (at the earliest): OMT

Craving a sit-down meal in your favourite restaurant? Want to take a stroll with people from two different households? Don’t hold your breath — the OMT thinks March will be the earliest that coronavirus measures could relax. 

Last night, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister for Health Hugo de Jonge formally announced the extension of the lockdown period.

The current lockdown was scheduled to end next Tuesday, January 19, but is extended until February 9.

Of course, we kindly suggest marking that date in your agenda in pencil — not pen. The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) believes that lockdown will extend all the way into March, at the earliest.

Numbers don’t lie

In the official weekly figures released yesterday, 1,503 people were admitted to general wards, an average of 214 per day. An average of 42 people were admitted to ICUs each day.

In the OMT’s advice to the Dutch cabinet, experts wrote that reaching the goal of 10 hospital admissions and 10 IC admissions per day will only be possible by early-March.

The number of admissions to hospital and ICUs has stabilized in recent weeks and we’ve begun to see a decrease, reports the NOS.

If the same rate of decrease continues the Netherlands could see three IC withdrawals each day by March 30. At that point, the coronavirus outbreak can be described as under control.

How do you feel about potentially being in lockdown for another six weeks? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Alex Green/Pexels

Should I enrol my child in a Dutch school? 6 factors to help you decide (from an expert)

Brin Andrews
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3
Should I enrol my child in a Dutch school? 6 factors to help you decide (from an expert)

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to send your child to a Dutch school or an international school in the Netherlands.

We researched how expat parents can make the best choice for their families.

Here are six circumstances to consider when deciding where to enrol your child, as well as a handy pros and cons list — to make this important decision just a little bit easier.

Top 6 factors to consider when choosing a school for your child in the Netherlands

1. Consider your length of stay in the Netherlands

One of the first things to think about is whether you’ll be staying in the country for only a short time or settling in for a longer time. If short-term (less than three years), it may be easier to go to an international school, especially if you and your child already speak English. 

Otherwise, if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three years, a Dutch school can be a good plan for integration. Speaking Dutch opens all kinds of opportunities for your child to communicate with more people, and participate in sports and other after school activities. 

2. Contemplate the value of a “soft landing”

Moving to a new country is already a big change. If your child speaks English, consider the impact of language on your child’s social integration. At an international school, it will be easier to communicate and start making friends. This can also apply to you as a parent, as you’ll meet plenty of other parents in the same situation as you.

On the flip side, a soft landing can also be when a child learns Dutch and can play with the children on the playground and in sports or other after school activities. Keep in mind, in bigger cities, there can be over 20 nationalities in regular Dutch schools, so your child won’t be the only one from a different background.

3. Take your child’s age into account

From four to five years old, children pick up a new language with relative ease. Dutch schools focus on learning through playing, Dutch language acquisition, social and motor skills and gradual preparation for reading and writing. When it’s time to begin learning formal reading and writing at age six, children have developed the necessary foundation.

It’s also useful to know that most options for daycare or preschool are in Dutch. Other options are rare, so your child will already begin to learn the language before going to a primary school. 

From the age of six, to learn Dutch, children need to go to a Dutch language immersion class called Nieuwkomerklassen (in some cities from the age of four). After one year of immersion, children can attend their regular Dutch school and join their peers of the same age.

It takes more time for children age 10 and up to learn Dutch — they may need to repeat at least one school year. 

4. Weigh the difference in cost

There is a vast difference in costs among schools in the Netherlands. Dutch schools are government-funded. Parents pay a parental contribution that adds up to around €60 to €150 per year, and maybe a bit extra for “in-between school care” (caretakers during lunchtime). 

International schools come with a significantly higher price tag — between €4,500 and €23,000 each year. For the Dutch international schools on the lower end of the cost spectrum, you’ll need to fulfil certain placement requirements.

5. Contemplate the different curriculums

Dutch schools offer some unique choices for education. State-funded schools will often follow different philosophies, religions, and pedagogical principles, all within the Dutch curriculum. 

In secondary schools, there are further options for children who have already learned Dutch, which can be interesting if you plan to stay longer in the Netherlands. After the age of 12, children attend a secondary school with different levels (VMBO, Havo, VWO, Gymnasium). 

If you opt for international schooling, decide if your child would benefit most from an IB (International Baccalaureate), British, or American curriculum. You don’t need to be an expert in the distinctions between them, just keep in mind that your choice may make a difference if you anticipate another international move in the future.

It’s also helpful to consider if your child has the academic skills for an IB curriculum or whether you’d prefer a school where a vocational program is also available. 

6. Think about when you want to take your vacations

Dutch schools enforce strict attendance rules from the age of five. Your child will only be able to miss school for specific reasons, such as important celebrations or family emergencies. 

International schools also highly discourage absence but are not as strict in their policy. They also offer more flexibility with time off and longer breaks for summer and winter holidays (although school days do tend to be longer).

Pros and cons of sending your child do a Dutch school

Still looking for a bit more clarity? We’ve broken down some of the pros and cons of Dutch schools for expat parents to consider when making their choice.

Pros

  • Complete language immersion (the best way to learn a new language!).
  • Jumpstart integration into the Netherlands. Your kids will make Dutch friends, can join Dutch clubs, and you can meet Dutch parents.
  • In all bigger cities, there is a special language school for your children.
  • Easier on the wallet. 
  • Your child can become used to life’s twists and turns.
  • Location — there is always a Dutch school in your area.

Cons

  • It’s a big change. 
  • Potential setback while switching education systems/school years. 
  • Different curriculum when you move again.
  • Possibly repeat a year while learning Dutch. 
  • Changing schools after a year when attending a language school — the first year you often need to travel more.
  • You may find it difficult to understand your child’s homework assignments.
  • Fewer absences are permitted.

International school Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Your child has a soft landing, making friends and communicating with ease if they already speak English. 
  • Curriculum may be more compatible with a future international move.
  • Easier to transition later if you aren’t staying in the Netherlands long-term.
  • You can communicate easily with other parents.
  • Easier to excuse your child from school, if needed.
  • Longer breaks for summer and Christmas.

Cons

  • Can be significantly more expensive.
  • Fewer international schools in the Netherlands means you may have to travel further.
  • Can prevent children from learning Dutch.
  • If you plan to stay long-term, your child (and family) will have a slower integration into Dutch society.
  • Often longer school days.
  • If your child doesn’t already speak English it will be a difficult adjustment.

Every family has a unique combination of budget, age, native language, and duration of stay in the Netherlands. Consider what’s right for your family.

Have you had to make this challenging decision about where to send your child to school in the Netherlands, or are you currently trying to decide? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Press conference: lockdown extended until February 9, curfew remains on the table

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Press conference: lockdown extended until February 9, curfew remains on the table

Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister of Health Hugo De Jonge have taken to the podiums once again to update the Netherlands on the latest coronavirus measures. Here’s what they had to say. 

Following a leak on Sunday, the country has anticipated that a three-week extension of the current coronavirus measures will be implemented. Rutte has formally confirmed this — but this comes as no surprise.

Last week, it was claimed that the “convincing effects” of lockdown could not be seen in the weekly numbers. For this reason, many of us were wondering what tonight’s press conference would bring.

The topic that concerned the prime minister and the health minister the most, however, was the new British variant of coronavirus and how it may affect the Netherlands.

Primary schools and daycare — will they reopen?

The more pressing issue of primary schools and daycare has been a topic of increasing concern over the past few days. Sources from The Hague had previously claimed that the government were considering reopening primary schools and daycare on January 25.

The prime minister has not shed much light on this issue but he has confirmed that if this is possible, it will indeed be considered.

Secondary education — keep 1.5 metres from other students

Primary and secondary education will remain open for vulnerable students, examination classes (in the case of secondary students) and pupils who follow practical training. However, they have been asked to maintain a 1.5-metre distance from their fellow pupils, as well as a five-foot distance from teaching staff.

For now, all other students are expected to return by February 9.

UK variant in the Netherlands

There has been considerable worry over the spread of the UK variant throughout the Netherlands. Last week, a school in Bergschenhoek suffered a widespread outbreak of the British strain.

This has led many to worry about the prospect of allowing children and infants to return to primary education and daycare. However, so far there has been no formal evidence to prove that children are particularly susceptible to the variant.

The prime minister has said that this is the main motivation behind the cabinet’s consideration of a curfew.

Will there be a curfew in the Netherlands?

Earlier today, RTL reported that the Dutch government is also considering the option of a nationwide curfew. Rutte addressed this, saying that the government will continue to consider this option.

There are some merits to a curfew, which need to be taken seriously,” the prime minister said, “because it’s a drastic measure.” However, the cabinet will await the advice of the OMT before making a decision on the matter.

When exactly the cabinet will receive this advice is uncertain. When asked, Rutte responded that “it might be as early as this weekend that we get the advice, but we will need to consider all facets and that will take some time.”

Mayors and government factions are putting up strong resistance to the cabinet’s plan. “You cannot ask this from people,” said one person in last night’s Security Meeting.

When asked about the government’s motivation behind the curfew, Rutte responds that the British variant is the reason behind this consideration — it is not simply because the government has run out of ideas.

Do not travel by plane until March

Rutte has also advised residents of the Netherlands not to travel by plane until March. That is, unless the travel is deemed absolutely necessary.

Currently, passengers flying into the Netherlands from high-risk areas (currently the entire world is high risk) must show proof of a negative coronavirus test that is no older than 72 hours.

Numbers are lower but not low enough

Health Minister Hugo De Jonge has described the current coronavirus numbers in the Netherlands as better this week than last week, but they’re still bad, and even worse than the first wave.”

He also added that the arrival of the British variant in the Netherlands adds to this worry. “The coming of the British variant is very troubling and we must fight this variant with the current measures.”

More testing needed

De Jonge also pointed out that the Netherlands is currently capable of carrying out 100,000 tests per day, yet only 50,000 tests are carried out. This is because people with symptoms are not getting tested, he claims.

He believes that more mass testing needs to be undertaken across the Netherlands. “More testing will lead to a better understanding about the virus, which, in turn, will lead to more containment,” he says.

More worryingly, De Jonge made sure to point out that more than a quarter of people who test positive for coronavirus are still going outdoors.

No end in sight — lockdown extended

The decision to extend lockdown has been met with opposition and a call for clarity by mayors. The mayors of the 25 security regions have raised concern over how and when the lockdown will end. “At the moment we support the lockdown, but it is about afterwards,” said Mayor Hubert Bruls, chairman of the Security Council. “People yearn for a different future.”

The prime minister has said the cabinet had “no other choice, especially considering the menacing threat of the British mutation of the virus.”

How do you feel about the extension of coronavirus measures in the Netherlands? Is a curfew necessary? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Screenshot/DutchReview

Weekly update: deaths jump almost 20% as Dutch government mulls new measures

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Weekly update: deaths jump almost 20% as Dutch government mulls new measures

Ahead of tonight’s press conference, the RIVM have released this week’s coronavirus infection numbers. The latest figures show that coronavirus infections across the Netherlands are generally falling — except for deaths. 

This week, 49,398 people contracted coronavirus in the Netherlands. This is down from last week’s numbers when 56,440 people tested positive. However, the Dutch government remains worried about the potential impact of the UK variant should it become widespread.

Hospitalisations

This week saw 1503 people admitted to hospital due to coronavirus. This is a reduction from last week’s figures of 1838. A further 297 people were sent to the ICU ward, a drop from last week’s number of 337.

Deaths

Deaths were the only figure that increased this week. The RIVM reports that 743 people passed away from coronavirus. The week prior was 621.

Three-week extension likely

On Sunday evening, it was leaked that the current lockdown measures will likely be extended for a further three weeks. This is because the “convincing effects” of lockdown have yet to be seen in the Netherlands.

We will find out more about this extension and any further measures at tonight’s press conference.

Infections and the British variant

There is some uncertainty over the effects of the British variant of the virus in the Netherlands. Recent reports from Great Britain show that the mutated strain may become dominant there within a few months, according to RTL.

However, separate data regarding patients currently receiving care in British hospitals reflects that the original strain is still widely circulating. Questions are now being raised about the contagiousness of the British variant.

Last week saw an outbreak of the variant at a primary school in Bergschenhoek, leaving many worried that children are especially susceptible to the variant. However, this has not been proven.

Potential curfew

The Dutch government is now considering implementing a curfew if current restrictions remain ineffective, RTL Nieuws reports. If a curfew is implemented, no one will be allowed on the street after a certain time unless they have an acceptable and approved reason.

The hope is that these restrictions would prevent people from visiting each other in the evenings. However, the implementation of a curfew would not be an easy task with mayors and government factions already voicing opinions against the option.

Follow DutchReview’s live blog to keep up with the latest coronavirus news and updates in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

Rare footage of Veluwe wolfpack captured by wildlife cam (video inside!)

Brin Andrews
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Rare footage of Veluwe wolfpack captured by wildlife cam (video inside!)

A wildlife camera in the Veluwe National Park has captured the forest’s entire eight-member family of wolves — and it’s quite a sight to see. This is the first time the whole pack has been seen on film together. 

The video shows the eight wolves trotting casually through the forest past the wildlife camera. According to the Mammal Society (Zoogdierverenigning), the footage reveals that of the nine pups born in 2019 and 2020, seven are still alive.

This means the wolves are finding plenty of food to eat, according to Mirte Kruit, regional coordinator of the wolf monitoring point (Wolvenmeldpunt). “The fact that volunteers encounter many wolf turds is very nice,” says Kruit. “This clearly shows what they mainly eat: red deer, roe deer, fallow deer and young wild boars.”

A pleasant surprise

Images this sharp are rare, and they were taken as part of a successful monitoring project by a group of volunteers from the Mammal Society. The footage came as a great surprise to the volunteers who keep an eye on the Veluwe’s wolves.

While it’s difficult to distinguish between the similar-looking wolves, the Mammal Society says that Mom is likely leading the way, followed by Dad and the youngest four boys. The two wolves that pass by moments later appear to be the adolescents born in the spring of 2019.

In total, 12 wolves live in the Netherlands. In addition to the wolves seen here, another pair lives in the southern Veluwe and two single wolves in the Midden-Veluwe and south of Eindhoven.

What do you think of the wolves in the Veluwe? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: DutchReview/Supplied

UK driver’s ham sandwich confiscated at Dutch border

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
UK driver’s ham sandwich confiscated at Dutch border

The formalities of Brexit have led to some bewilderment at the Dutch border for UK citizens. The latest of which involves the confiscation of a UK driver’s tinfoil wrapped, ham sandwiches. 

In footage broadcasted by NPO 1, a Dutch border patrol officer can be seen quizzing a UK driver about his various tinfoiled sandwiches. When asked whether any of the sandwiches contained meat, the driver responded that they did. As a result, the sandwiches were confiscated.

Welcome to Brexit

The patrol officer explains to the driver that “since Brexit, you are no longer allowed to bring certain foods to Europe, like meat, fruit, vegetables, fish, that kind of stuff.”

The driver is left quite bewildered by this news, “really? Can I not take out the meat and leave just the bread?” he asks before laughing. The humour is felt on both sides with the Dutch official saying “welcome to the Brexit sir, I’m sorry.” To this, the driver laughs and says, “oh my god.”

The mountain of forbidden sandwiches are packed away by the officer. These are not the first or last food items to be confiscated at the border under Brexit regulations. Images of confiscated food have been circulating online.

Bewilderment

The repercussions of Brexit have led to some confusion for UK travellers to the Netherlands in the past few days. Last week, multiple UK flight passengers were turned away at Dutch airports as they did not have sufficient documents for entry into the country.

Do you feel sorry for this man and his sandwiches? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Fancy Steve/Wikimedia commons/CC3.0

LIVE BLOG: First press conference of 2021: will we get a curfew?

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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0
LIVE BLOG: First press conference of 2021: will we get a curfew?

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: today’s news

The latest news on coronavirus in the Netherlands ahead of tonight’s press conference at 19:00. The live blog will load below.

The latest headlines:

Feature Image: DutchReview

Tonight’s press conference: here’s what to expect for the three-week lockdown extension

Brin Andrews
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0
Tonight’s press conference: here’s what to expect for the three-week lockdown extension

Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge will hold a press conference tonight at 7 PM about coronavirus measures in the Netherlands. A three-week extension of the lockdown is anticipated. These are some of the discussions expected for the conference.

Reopening of schools

One of the main points of concern for the extension of the lockdown is regarding children returning to schools. Information from The Hague was leaked yesterday about the possible reopening of schools on January 25.

The cabinet is said to be looking for safe ways to reopen daycare and primary schools. While there is evidence of major outbreaks in schools and contact tracing that often leads back to the classroom, the ministers are waiting to see what the research presents.

British strain and children

After the widespread outbreak of the new British strain at a school in Bergschenhoek, suspicions have been raised that children are especially susceptible to this mutation.

“The OMT advice is not yet clear about the contagiousness of the British variant for children,” explains political reporter Fons Lambie. The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) is expected to conduct investigations, after which it will be evident whether a reopening of schools on January 25 is feasible.

Confusion over British variant

There is some uncertainty over the effects of the British variant of the virus in the Netherlands. Recent reports from Great Britain show that the mutated strain may become dominant there within a few months, according to RTL.

However, separate data regarding patients currently receiving care in British hospitals reflects that the original strain is still widely circulating. Questions are now being raised about the contagiousness of the British variant.

Mayors call for clarity

Mayors of the 25 security regions have raised concern over how and when the lockdown will end. “At the moment we support the lockdown, but it is about afterwards,” said Mayor Hubert Bruls, chairman of the Security Council. “People yearn for a different future.”

Without perspective, the mayors fear support for the current measures will wane, “Not only with the business community and the catering industry, but also people sitting at home,” said Bruls. “You cannot keep throwing measure on measure endlessly.”

According to Bruls, “Before spring arrives we need to have a new perspective.”

Will measures be tightened?

Whether new travel restrictions or a curfew will come into play, it’s still too early to tell, explains Lambie. These changes would “require considerable enforcement capacity,” which has already presented problems under the current measures.

“We see full parking spaces at many companies. That is really different from March and April,” says Mayor Bruls. “People are still visiting each other as usual.”

Ultimately, the lockdown comes down to infection rates. “The contamination figures are just not going down fast enough,” says Lambie.

Follow tonight’s press conference in English as we report on our live blog.

Feature Image: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock.com

Primary schools to potentially reopen on January 25, says Dutch cabinet

Emily Burger
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Primary schools to potentially reopen on January 25, says Dutch cabinet

The Dutch cabinet is looking for safe ways to open up daycare and primary schools again on January 25. This will depend on what research reveals about how the new coronavirus strain affects children.

A major outbreak of the new strain in a school in Bergschenhoek has raised suspicions that young children are especially susceptible to this mutation. Cabinet is waiting for advice from the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) to clarify if this is the case.

If it appears that the risk to children is acceptable, the government will aim to reopen schools for younger children on January 25. Regardless, the rest of education will remain closed until February 9, reports NOS.

In the municipality of Lansingerland, where the Bergschenhoek school outbreak occurred, all residents over two years of age will be tested for the virus in the coming period.

Would childcare and primary schools reopening sooner affect you? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: klimkin/Pixabay

Grab the hot chocolate and fuzzy socks — things are about to get frosty in the Netherlands

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
Grab the hot chocolate and fuzzy socks — things are about to get frosty in the Netherlands

This year’s winter period has been underwhelming to say the least. But if you’re looking to experience that true winter feeling, the upcoming weather can offer you the chance to pretend everything is normal for a bit.

According to the NOS, from this Thursday on, the Netherlands is going to be getting cold and frosty — so grab your hot water bottle, the latest winter-themed Rom-Com and forget about everything else.

Prolonged frost

Whilst the country has seen slight touches of frost and snow here and there, it looks like the entirety of the Netherlands will experience freezing weather from Thursday on. And there is no end in sight.

From Thursday, maximum temperatures will reach 0 degrees — whoopie — with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -5 degrees.

For now, meteorologists can see that the Netherlands will freeze for “at least four nights” so if you were planning on hitting the town — 2021 translation: going for a long walk — we recommend you don’t.

The last thing hospitals need right now are some extra broken wrists and ankles, so do your bit for society and pile on the blankets, turn on the fairy lights, open up the Netflix and keep cosy.

Were you missing the winter weather? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Bart van Geffen/Unsplash.

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