As we move into the Easter weekend we hope you and your families are all safe and well and despite restrictions, will be enjoying the first week of the Easter break. Certainly the weather here in The Netherlands has been wonderful.
On Tuesday 7 April 2020 the Dutch Government announced that the measures taken in the Netherlands will continue as stated until Tuesday, April 28 so the guidance in our notice 01.04.20 remains current. The Prime Minister re-emphasized that the measures pending on the situation on April 28 could be extended again.
Even though the data relating to the “intellectual lock down” of the Nation is showing positive developments it is currently too early to go back to a less restrictive situation. The Government is reminding citizens that especially throughout the Easter Weekend (traditionally used for going out, travelling, visiting families and friends and shopping) people should avoid gatherings of more than three people and need to adhere to the 1.5 meters distancing. You may find that certain popular areas/regions will not be accessible to the general public.
In the meantime, we would also like to thank all our students, parents and teachers for embracing distance learning so quickly and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. National Sections are keeping their students informed as to the learning routines and programmes to be followed after the Easter break and more specific information regarding future school wide actions will be sent following the Dutch Government updates expected near to 22 April 2020.
Current restrictions:
- NO gatherings anywhere. This means that three people together need to maintain the distance of 1.5 meters. If this is not adhered to, you are in violation of the guidelines.
- STAY HOME and do not go out unless the need is urgent or an emergency. You are allowed to do your food shopping, however it is advised that you do this on your own. So, one person per family. Stores will be asked to implement a door policy which may mean one out, one in. The policy needs to be visible at the entrance and needs to be adhered to by all parties involved (shop owners and shoppers). Hairdressers and nail parlours are to be closed.
- Stores and public transportation companies have to take measures to keep people 1.5 meters apart. To counter the risk of corona infections for employees and customers, supermarkets have started to limit the maximum number of people allowed inside their stores. Only one customer per 10 square meters is allowed inside to be able to keep 1,5 meters distance from each other. A shopping cart is mandatory, because this will give you distance from each other.
- ALL public events will be cancelled until 1 June (NO Kings Day celebrations, NO 4/5 May ceremonies/celebrations etc.)
- Public spaces such as parks and beaches will be closed if people ignore the guidelines. Fines for up to 400 euros will be issued to individuals; for businesses and companies this fine can be up to €4000 per violation. An exception may be in place for funerals, church marriages and markets. Markets are considered part of the food supply chain. However here too, the number of participants is restricted and the distance between people needs to be adhered to and facilitated.
- People are advised not to welcome more than three guests/visitors into their private house. The strong message is to keep your distance.
- If one person in the family is sick or is showing minor symptoms of illness, the whole family stays inside.
AIS General Information
AIS Directorate would like to inform and remind you of the following:
- To keep in touch with us and contact your National Section should your family be directly affected by the Corona Virus. This will help us to maintain accurate records.
- The Directorate and Management Team continue to meet and keep under review the administrative and organisational aspects of the school. The economic situation is under pressure, and we remain in regular contact with our transportation services and contractors to ensure our school is ready to be fully operative once restrictions are lifted. Each National Section is providing distance learning and communication updates for parents and students and all involved are doing an amazing job in these uncertain and worrying times.
- The following link provides the most up to date information available from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM): https://www.rivm.nl/en/current-information-about-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus:
People with COVID-19 often have:
- A fever
- Respiratory complaints such as coughing
- Common cold
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing.
Stay at home if you have:
- Nasal cold
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Light cough
- Slight temperature (up to 38 degrees Celsius)
Important: if you have a common cold with a fever, everyone in your household must stay at home.
When do you call your GP?
Call your GP if your symptoms grow worse:
- Do you have a fever (more than 38 degrees Celsius) and are you coughing or having difficulty breathing? Important: Do not go to your GP, instead call the GP. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
- GGD on 088 – 880-5070 or 088 – 880-5000
Please continue to follow our website and twitter messages.
We hope that you and your families have a peaceful, safe and happy Easter holiday.
AIS Directorate
See also:
- RIVM latest information
- Update 14 (1 April 2020)
- Update 13 (27 March 2020)
- Update 12 (24 March 2020)
- Update 11 (20 March 2020)
- Update 10 (13 March 2020)
- Update 9 (12 March 2020)
- Update 8 (10 March 2020)
- Update 7 (9 March 2020)
- Update 6 (6 March 2020)
- Update 5 (5 March 2020)
- Update 4 (3 March 2020)
- Update 3 (2 March 2020)
- Update 2 (28 February 2020)
- Update 1 (26 February 2020)