Many sectors have to close from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday. The measure will last for three weeks. According to insiders in The Hague, this applies to restaurants and cafes, ‘non-essential’ shops, cinemas and theatres, museums, amusement parks, gyms and amateur sports. Schools can remain open.
Yesterday it became clear that these measures were discussed in the cabinet, but then sources still assumed that the new restrictions would come into effect on Saturday. That is said to be Sunday. This change was made at the request of the mayors, among other things. They wanted more time to organize enforcement of the earlier closure. Grocery stores can stay open until 8 p.m.
Mouth cap at school
Pupils from group six at primary and secondary schools are obliged to wear a mouth cap in the hallway.
The outgoing cabinet again discussed the measures today, with, among others, the permanent advisors, such as RIVM director Van Dissel, and with the mayors, and put the finishing touches.
The aim of the measures is to slow down the rapid increase in the numbers of infections and hospital admissions. Minister De Jonge has already said a few times that there really needs to be a change. He repeated that today. “We will have to brace ourselves for another harsh winter,” he added.
The cabinet asked the Outbreak Management Team on Wednesday for urgent advice about the measures. Prime Minister Rutte and Minister De Jonge will give another press conference tonight. More details and any other measures will then be announced.
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