The coronavirus infections are increasing. The number of corona patients in intensive care (ic) is on the rise. The third wave is starting to become visible. That is why the current package of measures is being extended. One measure will be slightly adjusted: from March 31st, the curfew will start an hour later; at 10 p.m. In addition, the government is looking at the use of self-tests in education. For higher education, the aim is for students to be able to attend classes on location 1 day a week again. This can be done on April 26 at the earliest.
Extension measures
All current measures are extended until April 20
Another press conference will be held on April 13, in which it will be said what is possible after April 20. If the figures show a positive picture earlier, then a measure can also be adjusted earlier. If the figures are disappointing, a measure can be tightened earlier.
The travel advice will be extended until May 15th
This means: stay in the Netherlands. Do not travel abroad until May 15, unless strictly necessary. This also applies to the May holidays.
In April, the cabinet will start trial trips abroad together with the travel and transport sector. They provide insight into how we will soon be able to go on holiday safely and responsibly to other countries.
Small adjustment of measure
Curfew
It stays light longer and longer. That is why it goes from Wednesday, March 31 the curfew an hour later. This means that from that moment on, everyone will stay indoors between 10 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. Shops that mainly sell food may then be open until 9.45 pm. This applies, for example, to supermarkets and pick-up locations for food and beverage outlets.
Testing
Self-testing
Corona self-tests are expected to be available from mid-April. This means that risk-oriented and preventive testing can be done in education.
The cabinet wants students in higher education to be able to take lessons on location again 1 day a week as soon as possible. This can be done on April 26 at the earliest. This is only possible if the contamination figures allow it and if the educational institutions can offer the students a self-test.
Access testing
In other places, the use of access tests will make more possible. Before an event or activity starts, a test must be done. In case of a negative result, someone gets access. This can be shown via an app. Provided that the corona figures allow this, tests will be carried out in the coming period at, for example, small-scale events and activities.
Hospitality and retail
During the previous press conference on March 8, it was said that terraces could open before Easter and that there would be more room for retailers. This was only possible under the strict conditions that the number of occupied IC beds would be stable and the reproduction number would remain around 1. Unfortunately that is not the case. There are now 623 people with corona on the ic. The reproduction number is 1.11. This number shows how quickly the virus is spreading. With a reproduction number of around 1, the number of infections remains approximately the same. Want to know more about these and other figures? Check the corona dashboard.
Vaccination
Vaccination is an important step towards a society without corona measures. It is expected that much more will be possible from the beginning of June, because a large group of people will have been vaccinated by then. According to the plan, in July 2021 everyone from the age of 18 who wants to be vaccinated will have had a first injection.
Basic rules
More and more people are protected against the corona virus by vaccinations. But people are still getting sick now. The basic rules help to prevent infection of yourself and others with the corona virus. Even if you have already been vaccinated. If we wash our hands, keep our distance and test and stay at home in case of complaints, fewer people will be infected. This way, more is possible again sooner.
To avoid contamination, it remains important to do the following.
- Wash your hands
Good hygiene prevents the spread of virus particles. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Especially when you come home or when you visit somewhere. Touch your face as little as possible. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Wear a face mask in public areas. This way you don’t give the spread of the corona virus a chance.
- Keep 1.5 meters away
Also from family or friends. When people are close together, the coronavirus can be passed on to others very quickly. Therefore, limit your contacts and avoid crowded places.
- Get tested
Do you have complaints? Get tested immediately. Also with mild cold complaints such as a runny nose. Stay at home until you get the test result. This way you can be sure that you do not infect other people with the corona virus.
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