Whether cafes, restaurants or hairdressing salons can be opened again does not depend so much on the extent to which things are arranged according to the standards of the one and a half meter society. The opening must be weighed up against the crowds on the street that are relaxing for these sectors, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Friday after the cabinet meeting.
“My heart bleeds for everyone who has a love for entrepreneurs,” said the Prime Minister, who says he understands, for example, catering businesses that have taken measures to open again, but are not yet allowed to do so. “I sympathize. It is not my fault, but the speed with which the virus spreads.”
Although the pressure on the intensive care departments is decreasing and the number of infections is showing a positive trend, it is currently unwise, according to Rutte, to accommodate the catering and hairdressers, for example, who have had to close the doors.
More movements leads to more infections
Lifting the ban could lead to more movements on the street and in public transport. This increases the chance that the virus will spread further. According to Rutte, the opening of hairdressing shops and a relaxation for other contact professions does not only depend on precautions, such as the use of mouth masks.
According to Rutte, it is important to first know exactly how the distribution is. Starting next week, the childcare, primary schools and after-school care will be relaxed. Children are also allowed to exercise again. Whether, when and which other restrictive measures will be lifted in the coming period, according to the prime minister, all depends on the reproduction number. The experts use this to measure how many people are infected on average by a corona patient
The spread must be so far below 1 for a longer period of time that the number remains below 1 after a new outbreak. If the reproduction number exceeds 1, there will be exponential growth and the pressure on healthcare will increase again.
Rutte is thinking of a Spanish step-by-step plan
Rutte disputes the idea that the corona measures for companies and entrepreneurs go too far. “The Netherlands has pretty much the most liberal lockdown in Europe outside of Sweden,” said the prime minister.
“The Netherlands has kept many sectors open and there has never been a policeman at your door. We have said to the people: these are the facts and we think it is wise that you stay at home and work from home as much as possible. That is the Netherlands.”
In the meantime, the government is already considering scenarios for a relaxation of the lockdown. Rutte said he is looking with interest to Spain, where Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a roadmap on Tuesday. The lockdown is relaxed there in four phases. “I can also imagine something like this for the Netherlands,” said Rutte.
This is a dot on the horizon, which can also be adjusted in this scenario if the degree of infection and the pressure on healthcare increases. “It is not going to be a route from which people can derive rights.”
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The coronavirus in short
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