Shops in the center of Rotterdam close earlier on Saturday, also ‘too busy’ in Amsterdam | Inland

Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb decided to close the shops prematurely on Friday evening, in consultation with the shopkeepers. It was Black Friday, a day when many stores had high discounts. Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Eindhoven, among others, also called for people to stop coming to the center because of the crowds.

According to a spokesperson for the municipality of Rotterdam, it is “manageably busy” in the city center around 2 p.m. “The measures are having an effect. The way things are going now, things are going well. ” Only on the Binnenwegplein are walking routes created through fences. “But that is more to keep traffic on the right track, because otherwise it is complicated to keep a sufficient distance there. No other measures are necessary. ” He emphasizes that the call from the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region to the public to stay at home as much as possible and, if necessary, shop online, is still valid.

Eindhoven

Eindhoven also keeps an eye on the shopping crowds. Mayor John Jorritsma (VVD) of Eindhoven threatens to close the shops in the city if it gets too busy. He calls on people on Saturday not to come to the center. On Friday it was very busy in Eindhoven during Black Friday and the 1.5 meters distance could often not be guaranteed. There were long queues in front of the shops.

“Drastic measures such as early store closure are the ultimate remedy! Really call on the public not to come to the center and if there really is no other option to come alone ”, says Jorritsma. “These crowds are pleasing to the virus.”

Amsterdam

The municipality of Amsterdam reports that it is too busy in the shopping area in the city center around 1.30 pm. That is why, just like Friday, there is one-way traffic for pedestrians in the Kalverstraat.

–