“It is logical that we are fed up,” said Rutte. “But our own behavior remains the fastest way to relaxation.”
As expected, Rutte did announce that the curfew will start an hour later from 31 March. Then people are no longer allowed to be on the street after 10 p.m. without good reason, instead of 9 p.m.
Travel warning
There is no good news for holiday enthusiasts. The negative travel advice will be extended until mid-May, including during the May holidays. The urgent advice remains to stay in the Netherlands during the holiday from 1 to 9 May.
More will have to be possible during the summer holidays. Watch the excerpt from the press conference here:
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Downer
Rutte also said tonight that the caretaker cabinet is working on a plan to help companies that have run into financial difficulties due to the corona crisis.
He said he understood that the extension of the corona measures is “a huge downer” for entrepreneurs who are already talking about the water “financially and emotionally”.
Relaxation around Easter
In recent days it had already become clear that the hoped-for relaxation of the measures for catering terraces around Easter would not take place.
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Two weeks ago, the cabinet had expressed that hope, but due to the increase in the number of corona infections, that will not continue.
Curfew
Earlier today, it was announced that the curfew will start at 10 PM from March 31, instead of 9 PM. This happens because of the start of summer time, so that it stays light longer in the evening.
It is getting light later and later and people like to spend evenings outside in the spring. So enforcement at 9 p.m. will be more difficult, is the thinking behind the proposal.
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“For the rest, everything remains as it is,” said Rutte tonight. “I understand, this is disappointing. I understand impatience.” If the figures are better than expected in the near future, more may be possible before 20 April anyway.
More visitors
It also became clear earlier today that there will be no relaxation for the number of visitors per household around Easter. Now 1 person per household is allowed to visit.
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Because Easter is a holiday, some people hoped that it could be extended to 2 people for those days. That will not happen.
School care
Out-of-school care cannot be opened yet. It was hoped that they could open their doors again, but that decision was not taken by the cabinet today. However, a plan is being drawn up for opening out-of-school care.
Higher education
It also became clear today that tests are being carried out with home tests for students in higher education, so that they may be able to receive physical education one day a week from the end of April.
Minister Hugo de Jonge said this evening that higher education will be open physically one day a week from 26 April. This is only possible if the educational institutions can arrange tests.
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