The Netherlands Eases Lockdown Measures With Non-Essential Businesses Reopening
Since the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, many countries in the world have tightened up their health and safety rules, affecting many travelers. The Netherlands was one country that went into total lockdown in December due to the high rate of infections. However, now, the country is easing back by reopening some of the sectors forced to close in December.
The Netherlands eases back on its restrictions
As of Saturday, January 15, 2022, several types of non-essential businesses in the Netherlands have been allowed to reopen including retail shops, beauty and hair salons and gyms. On top of this, sporting and cultural activities have also come back to life and hotels remain open. However, many places are still closed until at least the next COVID-19 lockdown review set for January 25.
What is open now in the Netherlands?
The Dutch government has begun to roll back some of the lockdown restrictions that were imposed in mid-December in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Among those that are now allowed to reopen are non-essential shops, gyms and hair salons. However, they are required to close at 5 pm each day. Meanwhile, essential shops like grocery stores, supermarkets and pharmacies can remain open until 8 pm.
When it comes to hotels, guests can check-in and stay, but a number of services remain limited, including dining. Guests can enjoy the service of food and drinks in their rooms, but the hotels’ bars and restaurants remain closed for now.
What areas are still closed in the Netherlands?
It isn’t only the restaurants and bars in hotels that are closed right now. All other cafes, bars and restaurants remain closed and can only offer takeaway service. Meanwhile, nightclubs remain closed until at least January 25, while theaters, movie theaters and museums are also closed for now.
Reportedly, the Van Gogh Museum has said it will reopen on January 26 and the Rijksmuseum on February 1, but Anne Frank House is closed until further notice.
Face mask requirements
Restrictions relating to face masks have been tightened and people are required to wear them where physical distancing of 1.5 meters (5 ft) is impossible. In a statement, the Dutch government said, “This now also applies at busy outdoor places such as shopping streets,” adding, “People are now advised to wear a disposable face mask. The government advises against wearing fabric masks and homemade masks.”
When it comes to meeting outdoors, residents and visitors are advised not to meet in groups of more than four people (aged 13 and over) and are requested to undergo a self-test before meeting people indoors.
Travel to the Netherlands
The Netherlands’ borders have remained open throughout the lockdown. However, rules vary depending on the traveler’s point of departure. Anyone traveling there from a “safe” EU country or region can provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter. Anyone traveling to the Netherlands from a “high risk” EU country must also provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result, but must also be tested again on arrival in the country.
Travelers from outside the EU
When it comes to travelers from a country outside the EU bloc that the country considers “very high risk,” including the UK, travelers must provide proof of vaccination and a negative test result and also quarantine for 10 days.
As for the US, that country is considered “high risk” and those travelers can enter as long as they are fully vaccinated. Readers can see the full list of entry requirements on the government’s website.
When will the lockdown be over in the Netherlands?
As reported by Euronews, the Netherlands has been reporting more than 30,000 new daily COVID-19 infections, which is an all-time record since the start of the pandemic. However, while hospitalizations were high in early December, these have since decreased due to the strict lockdown. At present, around 86 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated against the virus and approximately 46 percent have received a booster jab.
The Dutch government plans to review the current lockdown measures on Saturday, January 25, 2022, and expects to lift more restrictions at that time.
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