Primary schools will gradually reopen from May 11, but the other measures of the ‘smart lockdown’ will remain in force until May 20. Rutte: ‘The freedom of one person should not be at the expense of the health of another.’
Which reported RTL News. and has since been confirmed during a press conference on April 21 that was viewed by 8 million Dutch people.
The most important basic rules therefore remain in force:
- Stay at home as much as possible.
- Do errands alone.
- Keep 1,5 meters away.
- Cold complaints? Stay at home
- Wash your hands
- Cough and sneeze in elbow
Nursing homes
This means, among other things, that the limited visiting arrangements in nursing homes will remain in force until May 20. Because the government knows that this is difficult, an additional investigation has been launched to look at the possibilities of easing. No further details are known about this planned investigation.
Seniors’ organization KBO-PCOB calls this on Radio 1 a ‘hard message for the elderly’. KBO-PCOB finds the absence of visitors almost inhumane and that is why the elderly organization advocates the appointment of at least one permanent informal carer. In addition, there will be various ‘pilots’ (trials) to see how and when the policy in nursing homes can be relaxed. As far as the elderly organization is concerned, these trials will start as soon as possible.
Work&OV&Horeca
Public transport will also remain restricted and employers and employees will be asked to adhere to the ‘smart lockdown’ until May 20 and therefore to stay at home as much as possible and work from home. Catering will remain closed until May 20.
Dentists
Dentists and dental hygienists have always been allowed to stay up, but have chosen to close the doors themselves. It is not entirely clear whether this will remain the case for these professions. But other contact professions such as hairdressers, nail stylists and masseurs remain closed.
Schools
Leaked earlier today the advice of the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) in which the options for easing some measures were listed.
According to the OMT, the chance that children will be severely affected by corona is small. This makes the risk ‘controllable’, but the OMT does recommend that teaching staff should be tested more. The advice to stay at home in case of mild complaints will probably remain in force anyway.
It is not yet clear how the schools will open their doors, but this will probably also take place in steps, such as first with smaller groups and ‘half-time.
Secondary education has been asked to focus on opening ‘1.5 meter schools’ from 1 June.
To play sports
Young people up to the age of 18 are probably also allowed to start exercising again. Up to the age of 12, training is allowed, but competitions are not. Parents are not allowed to stand along the line, you shower at home. From the age of 12 to 18, the additional measure is that sports training must be arranged in such a way that you can keep 1.5 meters away.
Major events, including Premier League football, are now banned until June 1. That ban will be extended until September 1.
Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m., the Prime Minister will provide more details about the corona measures.