The AFNORTH International School would like to share the following information with you following the announcement of the Dutch Government latest COVID-19 Restrictions on Monday 14 December 2020.
You will be aware that the Dutch Government has announced a worrying and increased level of infections in the Netherlands and the pressure on healthcare is becoming too great. The new general restrictions start from today, Tuesday 15 December and will last until 19 January 2021 with the exception of schools, where currently the expectation is that we open for face-to-face teaching on Monday 18 January 2021. However, further updates are expected in the New Year.
Both primary and secondary schools must close their doors from Wednesday, and move to online learning. The main aim of the Governments message is limiting the contacts between people and limiting unnecessary travelling. Personal behaviour remains crucial.
These new restrictions will mean that:
- Tuesday 15 December is the final day for AIS to be operating ‘face -to-face’ teaching for our students.
- Each national section will contact parents with further details for online learning during the school closure.
- Currently, the expectation is that students will return to school for face-to-face learning on Monday 18 January 2021 unless further updates are announced via the school website, social media and national sections.
- On return, students and staff will follow the ‘new normal’ school day, with all the usual COVID-19 expectations in place including the essential prescreening protocols, transport arrangements, social distancing and mask-wearing.
- With such short notice our planned Christmas Lunch for this Friday will now be postponed and we will move it to a New Year lunch celebration. We will keep you informed of the revised date.
We want to take this opportunity to thank our parents, students, staff and our whole AIS community for the support and commitment over the past number of months. Collectively our efforts have endeavored to keep everyone at AFNORTH safe, and to help keep our school open for face-to-face teaching and learning.
We very much wish you and your families continued good health, and hope you have a well-deserved rest over the Christmas vacation. We look forward to seeing everyone back in person on Monday 18 January 2021.
General Information
From Thursday 17 December the school will be completely closed.
At the end of Wednesday 16th December the school will be thoroughly cleaned and will no longer be accessible until Monday 18 January 2021. The MOD guards will remain present for security reasons.
Your national section will keep you informed during the on-line learning activities.
Date for the diary: face-to-face teaching commences: expected Monday 18 January 2021
Any information relating to the operation of the whole school will be announced through our website and social media (Facebook and Twitter) messages.
Summary – what has been decided?
- Starting Wednesday 16 December schools and childcare centers will close until 18 January 2021. The aim is for on-line learning to be continued – it is not extended holidays. There may be services available for students in final years and children with special needs/or children from parents in crucial professions. Crucial professions are listed by the Government (care, police, public transport).
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Non-essential stores will close throughout the coming five weeks.
- All public venues will be closed.
- At home no more than 2 people may be welcomed, inside and outside, with an exception for Christmas, where 3 people may come on 24-25-26 December 2021 per day. On New Year’s Eve, 2 visitors allowed only.
- Do not travel when not necessary; this also includes within the NL. Travelling in from outside the EU one needs to have and present proof of negative test. No unnecessary trips abroad at least until Mid-March 2021.
- Indoor sports is no longer possible. Outdoor sports up to 18 is possible but with distance. Above 18 years is not possible. Individual sports possible outside.
- Strict advice to work from home. There have been too many contacts at workplaces. Employers need to give the employees the means to work from home.
- Public transport only for necessary travel.
The more stringent approach, which is in effect of today, will allow and enable the Authorities such as police to enforce the law and government policy more rigidly.
Developing COVID 19 symptoms?
Testing: In case you develop symptoms of COVID 19 you should make an appointment to be tested via the number available: GGD 0800-1202
The following links provide the most up to date information available from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM):
www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/current-information
Common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Cold symptoms such as a nasal cold, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Elevated temperature or a fever
- Sudden loss of taste and smell (without nasal congestion)
AIS Directorate.
See also: