This week’s figures from the RIVM show a slight decline in coronavirus cases in the Netherlands. But while the numbers are dropping the rate of infection has started to rise again — a bad omen for future numbers.

In the past week, the Netherlands has had 36,931 new infections, according to RIVM. This is 775 fewer than last week’s 37,706 new infections.

Along with the decline in new infections, hospitals are also seeing slightly fewer patients. The number of nursing ward hospitalizations has decreased to 1291 from the previous week’s 1496.

The number of patients in ICU has lower as well. While the previous week had 224 ICU patients, this week there were 193.

In the past week, there have been 422 COVID-19-related deaths in the country, down slightly from last week’s 479. 

Here’s what else has happened during the past week regarding coronavirus in the Netherlands:

Experts call for stricter measures in schools

Secondary schools are now the fourth-highest source of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands. This has some experts saying stricter measures are needed. 

Last week, several outbreaks in classrooms across the country caused Pediatrician epidemiologist Patricia Bruijning to point out that young people may be carrying the virus without knowing.

Bruijning and other experts are calling for more clarity from the OMT. They want to see improved protocol around coronavirus outbreaks in schools, and uniformity among districts.

Upcoming mask mandate

The Dutch government has released a set of guidelines to go along with the December 1 mask mandate. Beginning next Tuesday, everyone over the age of 13 will be required to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

There are exceptions in some circumstances. For example, in primary schools; in buildings used for religious purposes; or when a person is sitting or standing still in one place, such as seated in the movie theatre or at a restaurant table.

Christmas “will be difficult”

In light of the slight upward trend in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Mark Rutte is urging the public to be vigilant with current restrictions if they want to be able to move more freely by Christmas.

The prime minister says that the current figures are “not how you want it” at this time, but it is still too early to pass a judgement. “It is not yet possible to determine exactly how bad it is. We will keep an eye on that in the coming days.”

Restaurants could reopen mid-December

There is a possibility that restaurants may reopen in mid-December. The reopening will come with stricter conditions regarding alcohol sales and closing times. Staff and customers will be required to wear masks, and cough screens will need to be installed between tables. 

The government’s December 8 press conference is expected to bring more clarity.

An indirect vaccination obligation

With the promising development of a vaccine, officials in the Netherlands are now discussing whether or not vaccination will be mandatory, juggling views regarding personal freedoms, public safety, and herd immunity.

While parliament is still debating the best course of action, they are considering “nudging” people toward vaccination, by preventing non-vaccinated individuals from entering certain public buildings, such as concert halls and libraries.

“The cabinet will not be for coercion,” Rutte said, “but you can also nudge indirectly by stimulating people. That is really a medical-ethical point of view, we are currently considering that.”

The vaccine and airlines

The aviation industry is already making plans for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for travellers. International Aviation Industry Organisation (IATA) is developing an app to function as a type of coronavirus passport, expected to be available in early 2021. The app will quickly prove whether you been vaccinated or have tested negative for the virus.

Australian airline Qantas has announced that all international travellers will need to show proof of vaccination, and are deciding whether the same requirement will hold for domestic flights.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce expects they won’t be the only company with this plan. “I think we’ll see this with more airlines,” he says.

Increased testing

The government plans to greatly increase testing capacity by March. The goal is for every resident of the Netherlands to be able to be tested for coronavirus once per month. 

Testing will take place regardless of whether symptoms are present if the government can work out a plan. In order for this to happen, a number of details need to be sorted. Namely, training of personnel and expanding testing locations.

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The Dutch government announced in a press conference several weeks ago that face masks will be finally mandatory in public spaces from December 1. The long-awaited mask regulation follows the cabinet’s “urgent advice,” which has been in place for months now.

Starting next month, if you’re found without a mask in public, you’ll be fined 95 euros. Nobody wants that, so we’ve broken down exactly what the regulations will mean, and found the answers to all your burning questions.

Where is a mask required?

Beginning December 1, everyone over the age of 13 will be obliged to wear a face mask in all public interior spaces. These include shops, museums, restaurants, theatres, petrol stations, bars, concert halls, station buildings and airports.

The mask is not mandatory if people have a fixed seat. For example, a face mask may be removed while seated in a theatre or cafe. Although, when standing up to leave or go to the bathroom, the mask must again be worn.

In buildings used for religious purposes, such as churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques, a face mask is not required.

What type of mask is approved?

The face mask must cover the mouth and nose entirely. It should be designed specifically to prevent the spread of viruses (i.e., not a ski mask).

The government prefers people to purchase their masks in drugstores and supermarkets, rather than from medical companies, to preserve the medical-grade masks for healthcare professionals who need them.

A face shield is not to be used as an alternative to a mask, as it doesn’t completely cover the mouth and nose. The same goes for items such as a bandana or scarf.

Are there different rules in education?

Yes. People in schools and universities will be obliged to wear masks, with the exception of primary schools.

For all secondary and higher education, a mask must be worn while moving through the buildings. The mask may be removed during class, provided everyone is sitting or standing still. To be clear, teachers do not have to wear a mask when standing in front of the group but will need to wear it when moving about the classroom.

During gym class, dance, theatre, singing, and other forms of physical education, a face mask is not required.

And contact professions?

In contact professions such as the hairdresser or nail salon, maintaining 1.5 metres of separation is not realistic. For this reason, face masks are necessary. This applies to both the customer and practitioner.

Care providers such as physiotherapists and GPs will be exempt from the obligation, although in some cases they too will be asked to wear a mask.

Hospitals and care institutions will have the authority to apply their own rules regarding face masks and other personal protective equipment. These should be followed by patients, visitors and caregivers.

Who is exempted?

People who are unable to wear a mask due to disability or illness are not required to follow this obligation. Police and boas will retain the right to ask a person to demonstrate that they fit into this exception.

Face masks will also not be required during sports, acting, musical rehearsals and performances, or while speaking publically on the radio and TV.

Sex workers are also exempted from the mandate, and as mentioned before, so are visitors to places of worship.

Should I wear a mask before December 1?

For months now, a mask has been required for public transportation, and this will continue.

The government has also issued urgent advice for people to wear masks in other public spaces. Although, until the definitive starting date, the face mask is not mandatory and people cannot be fined. You can, however, expect a bit of public shaming from your peers.

How long will the regulations last?

The regulations are to apply initially for three months. An extension is possible, though as soon as the medical necessity has passed, the regulations will be withdrawn.

How are people responding?

Hart van Nederland conducted a survey to gather public opinion on the upcoming mandate and its exceptions. They found that 67% of their survey respondents think that churchgoers and sex workers should also be required to wear a mask. Only 32% think the exemption is justified.

General practitioner Felix van Wissel is disappointed with the new mandate. He believes that citizens should be able to make the choice for themselves whether or not to wear a mask. “Don’t start handing out fines for something that has not been scientifically proven,” says the doctor. “With this, men take a piece of freedom from the people.”

Sex worker Jorma Bos, on the other hand, is quite content with the upcoming guidelines. She says she was unable to work during the first coronavirus wave, despite demand from clients.

Although Bos doesn’t wear a mask while working, she remains vigilant with her clients. “I ask about their health and notice that many customers are also taking their own responsibility.” She no longer accepts appointments with tourists and takes her own precautions outside of work.

Do you agree with the Dutch government’s regulations on face masks? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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