Coronavirus rule changes in the Netherlands: Health Minister announces three-step re-opening plan
On February 15 the Dutch government announced further steps to lift remaining Coronavirus restrictions in the Netherlands. Health Minister Ernst Kuipers held a press conference to reveal a three-step plan towards the end of regulations around social distancing.
From February 15
The advice to receive no more than four people per day at home has been scrapped, effective immediately.
From February 18
From the end of this week, the Dutch government will lift its rules around entertainment venues and horeca; with all locations allowed to stay open until 01:00. In order to gain entry to many locations, people will have to show their Coronavirus DCC or QR code.
The 1.5-metre regulation will also be scrapped for venues holding up to 500 people. However, all larger-scale events will still require assigned seating and face masks.
Self-quarantine from February 18
Self-isolation rules after a positive test will also change from the end of the week. The recommended period of self-isolation will be brought down to five days, but people must be symptom free for at least 24 hours before exiting quarantine.
From February 25
The final step of the roadmap will be enacted from February 25; effectively ending all restrictions, aside from the requirement to wear a face mask on public transport, and people needing a negative test to enter various events and venues. At this point, the Dutch government will also re-consider its recommendation to work from home.
So, from February 25, all venues will be able to open and there will be no limitations around social distancing, aside from the residual rules mentioned above.
Quarantine upon arrival from February 25
The Dutch government will be changing its incoming traveller rules from the end of February, too, with people no longer needing to quarantine upon arrival. The ‘traffic light’ system, rating countries safety, will also no longer be based around that countries’ Coronavirus risk.
For all the full rules and regulations, see the website of the Dutch government.