Dutch Prime Minister calls on Belgians: “Stay at home”

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Thursday called on Belgians and Germans not to come to the Netherlands during Easter.

“Bleib zu Hause,” he said in German, “Stay at home.” In question ? Easter is a popular time for short vacations in parks or campsites.

Minister Ferd Grapperhaus, in charge of border traffic management, has “intensive contacts” with his Belgian and German colleagues in order to limit border traffic as much as possible during this period. The border with Belgium is closed anyway for people who have no important reason to cross it. People in vital professions, however, have a special sticker and can move to the Netherlands. “We don’t want to get in their way.”

“We are working together to bring traffic to zero,” added Rutte. “No further action is needed to stop the Easter traffic at this time.”

The authorities estimate that almost no tourists from neighboring countries will travel to the Netherlands. For now, reservations for campsites and hotels are almost zero. Many holiday parks are also closed.

Rutte also called on the Dutch to stay at home when the weather is good and at Easter. “Access to parks, beaches and the like is also often restricted by mayors,” said the Prime Minister.

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