Slowing spread of omikron: Netherlands in lockdown

18-12-2021, 20:06

The spread of the omikron variant must be slowed in the short term to keep the Health accessible to all. Therefore, the Cabinet has decided that the Netherlands will go into lockdown from Sunday, Dec. 19, through Friday, Jan. 14, 2022.

Measures and urgent advice from Sunday, Dec. 19

For everyone else, stay home as much as possible and avoid crowds.
Keep 1.5 meters away everywhere.
Receive at home no more than 2 persons aged 13 and over per day. With the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and during the turn of the year. Then a maximum of 4 persons aged 13 and over per day applies.
Visit at most once a day.
Outside there is a maximum group size of 2 people from 13 years old and up. People living at 1 address are exempt from this.
On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and during the New Year, the maximum group size outside goes up to 4 people over 13 years old.
Education and out-of-school programs are physically closed through at least Jan. 9. There are some exceptions. On Jan. 3, the Cabinet will decide on education starting Jan. 10.
All catering establishments are closed. Ordering and pickup is possible.
All non-essential stores are closed. Ordering, pickup and returns are available.
Essential stores, such as supermarkets and drugstores, are open until 8 p.m.. Here, there is a requirement to wear masks and a maximum of 1 visitor per 5m2 meter.
Excepted services such as gas stations, pharmacies, libraries, driving schools, the notary or lawyer are open.
All non-medical contact professions, such as hairdressers and beauticians, are closed.
Cinemas, museums, theaters and concert halls are closed.
All indoor sports venues are closed (swimming lessons excluded). Outdoor sports venues remain open for all ages between 05:00 and 17:00. For adults over 18 years old, outdoor sports are allowed with a maximum of 2 people at a distance of 1.5 meters. Children and youth up to and including 17 years old can play outdoor sports and mutual competitions at their own club.
There is an event ban. Funerals with up to 100 guests, weekly markets and professional sports games without an audience are exempt. Christmas markets are not allowed.

For more information, visit the rijksoverheid website.