We hope you and your family remain in good health and that the distance learning programme that has resumed following the break is going well.
The following details the latest information regarding the Coronavirus impact in the Netherlands.
On Tuesday 21 April 2020 the Dutch Government announced adjusted Covid-19 measures in the Netherlands. You may have heard that some restrictions are partially lifted, and others will continue unchanged until Tuesday, May 20 (See the basic restrictions and guidelines mentioned in our previous Coronavirus updates on our website). A week prior to 20 May there will be new information.
The Prime Minister re-emphasized that the Government is not taking any decision easily and that the partially lifted restrictions do not mean that the Coronavirus crisis is fully under control. As in the surrounding countries every step will need to be continuously monitored.
The restrictions that have been (partially) lifted:
- Dutch elementary schools as well as pre and post school centers and special education are allowed to open starting 11 May. Elementary schools will partially open with half the number of children attending at any one time. Pre and post schools’ centers will follow the rules of the elementary schools. Special education will start every day.The Government has given schools and schoolboards the freedom in how they will arrange this partial opening so that is best fits their local situation. Dutch elementary schools are neighbourhood schools and can be monitored very well.
- Children up to the age of 12 are allowed to go back to their sport clubs. Clubs are responsible for organising their activities. Older youth up till 18 years are allowed to join their sport clubs but need to adhere to social distancing measures.
These fundamental restrictions remain as they are:
- NO gatherings of more than three. This means that three people together need to maintain the distance of 1.5 meters. It is permitted to walk out for some fresh air, with one other person, or with one’s family, as long as everybody stays 1.5 meters apart. 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 and public transportation companies have to take measures to keep people 1.5 meters apart. To counter the risk of coronavirus 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 September (NO Kings Day celebrations, NO 4/5 May ceremonies/celebrations, NO concerts 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 MANAGEMENT AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS ARE CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING IF THE OPTIONS GIVEN TO DUTCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS COULD BE APPLICABLE IN OUR AIS CONTEXT AND SITUATION.
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 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.
WE ASK YOU TO CONTINUE TO FOLLOW OUR WEBSITE FOR REGULAR UPDATES
Keep safe and well.
AIS Directorate
See also:
- RIVM latest information
- Update 15 (9 April 2020)
- 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)