Netherlands: Coronavirus lockdown to start being eased

In announcing the relaxation of its coronavirus lockdown, the Netherlands has joined other European countries, proposing a four-month program to phase out social restrictions if the virus stays under control.

The program will begin next week, and will be extended in phases until Sept. 1, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced. However, he said the measures could be ramped back up if infections resurge.

If the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline, lockdown limits may be relaxed to cover gyms, saunas, adult clubs, coffee shops, and casinos in September, Rutte said.

On Wednesday, in its daily coronavirus report, the National Institute for Health said the number of reported coronavirus infections in the Netherlands increased by 232 to 41,319, with 36 new fatalities also being reported bringing the total death toll to 5,204.

Rutte said in a televised address:

“We have made headway together, the figures are moving in the right direction,”

“The first outbreak phase is behind us… This is the phase of transitioning to a life of social distancing.”

“Steps to slowly open the economy and public life will give our country the space to look forward and make plans for the future. We will do that as quickly as possible, but it is better to be safe now than sorry later.”

Face masks as of June 1, he added, would be mandatory on public transport.

Starting from next week, elementary schools will begin to reopen, with classes split and rotated to enable greater distancing.

Beauty salons and hairdressers will now be permitted to reopen for appointment-making customers, and outdoor non-contact sports such as tennis will be permitted, the government said in a statement.

Cinemas, restaurants, and cafes will be allowed to reopen for up to 30 guests, but only if customers can keep a distance of 1.5 meters from each other.

Public transport will restore regular timetables from June 1, but with just a fraction of seats available to allow social distance. In June, the high schools will also reopen, followed by camping grounds and holiday parks.