The Dutch government on Tuesday announced it will ease some of its coronavirus measures, including the reopening of primary schools and childcare centers, but other lockdown rules will remain in place until at least late May.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said “the corona crisis is one of the biggest, most far-reaching and most threatening periods that any of us will ever experience,” adding that it would be dangerous to ease the current measures too quickly.
“As much as I understand the impatience cropping up, we know that a rapid relaxation can lead to the virus immediately having a chance to strike again,” Rutte said during a televised press conference, adding that “caution now is better than regret afterward.”
Primary schools will be allowed to reopen “fully or partially” on May 11 with smaller groups of pupils. Secondary schools will reopen on June 1, provided schools can ensure pupils can socially distance.
It will also be easier for children to play sports. Children up to the age of 12 will be allowed from April 28 to play sport in groups, as long as teams dont compete against each other. Children from 12 to 18 will also be allowed to play sport, provided they keep a distance of 1.5 metres from one another.
Rutte said it was too early to reopen restaurants and bars, and the government will extend the restrictions on the sector until at least May 20.
Rutte said it was too early to reopen restaurants and bars, and the government will extend the restrictions on the sector until at least May 20. A ban on events, including professional football competitions, will be extended by three months until the start of September.
For jobs such as hairdressing and massage therapy that involve physical contact, the existing measRead More – Source
